Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Belize
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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 it is good to share with you in prayer. 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 Belize in our prayers. Located in
Central America, territorial disputes between the United Kingdom and
Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Peace and
plentiful land attract refugees from troubled neighboring countries,
while tourists flock to see the ruins of the Mayan civilization;
wildlife such as jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans; and the Western
Hemisphere's longest barrier reef. Tourism has become the mainstay of
the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing
involvement in the South American drug trade, and increasing urban
crime. Over the past 20 years Belizeans have been struggling to
reintegrate indigenous culture.
Welcome to this time of prayer for peace. As we gaze upon our lighted
candle, let us remember our purpose here: to worship in the name of
Christ who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called
the children of God.” |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:6-8 NIV |
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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 Miriam Mann, Council
Bluffs, Iowa |
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We bless your holy name, O God, for everything lives by
your power, and everything is for your glory. We will not forget the
marvelous things you have done:
You forgive all our sins,
And cleanse us from all wrong.
Your loving kindness continues forever.
We are your workmanship,
Created in Christ Jesus for good works.
We praise you for all blessings in this life, and for promises of
greater blessings, even eternal life.
In Christ we have our peace. Continually guide us in our daily responses
for peace. Give us the desire to do your will, our Father, as you reveal
it to us; for great is your power towards us who believe, according to
the working of the mighty power you worked in Christ when he was raised
from the dead. You are an awesome God! Your greatness is unsearchable!
We praise you for your mighty works!
You are our strength and courage. Whatever we do for peace in the
church, and in the world, we do it for your glory, and in Jesus'
precious name. Amen. |
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Hymn - Of All the Spirit’s Gifts to Me
- Sing for Peace #12 |
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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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Great God of all nations and all people, we praise you
and thank you for the bounteous blessings we have received at your hand. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We know we have not always been the persons you created us to be.
Forgive us, we humbly pray, and continue to lead us into your path of
peace for all. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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At this time we pray for Belize. May people of all religions, or no
religion, hold each one in love and honor, that none esteem self above
another. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Even in this house of worship, we have concerns and needs. Hear our
personal petitions at this time, we ask. |
| 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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To you, gracious God, we give love praise and pray that we may become
instruments of your 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.
May we be the people of peace we are called to be. Let us go forth from
this house and be peacemakers. |
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| Ministry of Music |
