Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Angola
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of the
God who calls us to peace. Welcome today to this sacred place. Each day
in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray to God for
peace in our world. In addition, each day we pray for a different
country.
Today we will remember the people of Angola in our prayers. Located in
southern Africa, civil war has been the norm in Angola since
independence from Portugal in 1975. But Angolans finally have some
reason for hope - after more than 20 years of civil war that decimated
the country, the government and UNITA rebels signed a cease-fire and
peace agreement in early April 2002. The end of hostilities is just the
first step in Angola's journey toward peace. War leaves scars: millions
of displaced, homeless, maimed, orphaned, starving and diseased
Angolans. This means no infrastructure, poor roads, crime, graft, up to
11 million landmines - and a glimmer of hope. Both sides have also
promised to re-implement the 1994 Lusaka peace accord that had been
abandoned since 1998. Angola is one of the world's poorest countries,
with life expectancy, 40 years, among the lowest in Africa.
Let us unite as one in supplication to our God and Savior as we pray for
peace on this day.
May God continue to be with the peacemakers who are working for justice
in our world. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:6-8 NRSV |
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How beautiful on the mountains are the feet
of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good
tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” |
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Prayer for Peace by Dolores McCormack,
Thornhill, Ontario |
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Dear God,
You are God of the universe, the universal God, creator of all persons
in all nations, with each one as diverse as the countries and continents
from which they come. All have been touched with the beauty of your
loving hand.
Because of your presence in the life of Jesus Christ, we are able to
comprehend better your great love for all people.
Because of Christ's compassion and heartache in the experience of
injustice, we know something of the anguish you must feel when wars and
destructive causes bring suffering to your children.
We pray for the leaders and promoters of peace. May the stalwarts of
every nation be strengthened in their resolve to fight injustice with
love. May multitudes rise to support the process of peace.
Help us to uphold in our prayers the victims of violence as well as the
champions of peace.
Help us to be aware that in our homes, in our communities, and in all of
our relationships, peace must begin with us. May we be strengthened with
Christ-like personalities that will enable us to love, to understand
others, to be able to see another's point of view and accept their right
to think differently.
Help all people to be the leaven of peace in their own sphere of
influence. May we respond to your love.
In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - I Am Standing Waiting - Sing
for Peace #27 |
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Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the Prayers of the People. During the
moments of silence, you are invited to pray silently or meditate. |
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In peace we pray to you, Lord God, for all people in
their daily lives and work, for our families, our friends, neighbors,
and for those who are alone. May they find the joy of your goodness in
their lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for this community, the nations, and the world. Today we
remember especially your people in Angola. Please be with those who work
for justice, freedom, and peace in their country. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for
those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the peace and unity of the church, for all who proclaim the
gospel, and all who seek the truth. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess to you our shortcomings; in your compassion forgive us our
sins. We pray for a blessing on the special needs and concerns of those
gathered here. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Please use this space to pray for any
current concern or event in our community, city, state, nation or world
that you feel needs to be held up to God for prayerful consideration.
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| The People Pray in Silence |
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Hear our collective prayers, O God. May we be at peace. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service today with ministry of music. We
invite you to remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for
as long as you may wish.
We have spoken of and prayed for peace this day. Now, go in peace and
share the peace of Jesus Christ in your world. |
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| Ministry of Music |
