Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Armenia
Would you like to learn more about Armenia?
Visit Lonely
Planet.
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred
place, and we are happy to share this time of worship with you. 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 Armenia in our prayers. Smallest of
the former Soviet republics, Armenia lies landlocked and
earthquake-ridden in rugged mountains in southwestern Asia. This country
was the first state to embrace Christianity in about 300 A.D.; the
Armenian Orthodox Church still reinforces the national identity. One of
the cradle’s of civilization, Armenia’s countryside is astonishing. It
is cloaked in wildflowers, framed by snowy mountains, pitted with deep
caves and endowed with more than 40,000 ancient churches and monuments.
Its depths hold a bounty of natural resources, including gold, copper
and precious stones. Armenia achieved independence in 1991. The new
nation took the lead among the former Soviet Republics in privatizing
its farmland.
Come, let us bow before the Lord, our Creator. In the stillness of this
hour, may our thoughts center on our purpose for gathering, the prayers
of the people for peace throughout the world. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:4-5 |
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He will not judge by what he sees with his
eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness
he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions of the poor
of the earth. |
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Prayer for Peace by Carol Oliver Wilkins,
Pensacola, Florida |
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Almighty Author of creation,
let Your kingdom come.
Help us, O Lord, to become
the pure in heart;
those who will inherit
the kingdom prepared for us.
Give us understanding,
as we search for truth.
Guide our thoughts and choices
as we attempt to stay on the path
of righteous living.
Diminish our knowledge of self-will
and increase our concepts of You.
Let Your peace flow down upon us
like rivers of hope springing eternal,
that we may proclaim our faith
in Your plan for a peaceful world.
Grant us the patience and long suffering
for an unending search for peace
in relationships with
each other and with You.
Let us be Your instruments for peace,
above all, in our
community,
our home,
and in a world
longing,
begging,
struggling
for liberty,
justice,
mercy.
We pray from the depths of our hearts in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. |
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Hymn - Behold a Broken World, We Pray - Sing
for Peace #21 |
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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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God of all nations and all peoples, by whatever name you
are known, we come before you in praise and thanksgiving. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive our sins of selfishness, pride, and arrogance we humbly ask.
Guide us into the joy of being and into the desire for joyful peace for
all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray particularly for the nation of Armenia this day. Bring them
peace as the citizens learn that you are the God of all nations and the
Creator of all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We would also pray that the needs and concerns of the people gathered
here would be heard and answered by your divine wisdom. We ask your
guidance as we try to live by your standards of peace in our daily
living. |
| 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 Prince of Peace, that your peace may
become the peace of this world. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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Our service will end 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.
You were called to this place today to pray for the cause of peace. Now
you are called to go out and become an instrument for peace in your
community. Go with God's blessings to become makers of peace. |
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| Ministry of Music |
