Daily Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.

Map of Bolivia

Flag of Bolivia
Bolivia

Would you like to learn  more about Bolivia?
Visit Lonely Planet.
 
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle

Invitation
  We greet you in the name of Jesus who calls us to peace, and thank you for joining us for prayer. Each day in this sacred place, 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 Bolivia in our prayers. Located in Central South America, Bolivia is poor, mountainous, and landlocked. Bolivia broke away from Spanish rule in 1825. Much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.

As we light our candle, may its flame cause us to open our minds, and challenge us to new avenues of peace as we worship together.
 
Scripture Reading: Psalm 130:1-5 IP
  Out of the depths I cry to you, Adonai! God, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive to my voice, my cries for mercy!
If you kept track of our sins, Adonai, who could stand before you?
But with you is forgiveness, and for this we revere you.
So I wait for you, Adonai—my soul waits, and in your word I place my trust.
 

Prayer for Peace by Karen Freberg, Independence, Missouri
  God of rainbows
blending colors
defining brilliance
God of earth and sky and sea
birthing each and all
named sacred
God of humans
varieties of skin and voice and land
calling each precious
God of presence
offering love and word and way
waiting response
God of tears
we grasp in our hands all that You offer
even as we
strip the land, deny space, silence the voices,
negate rights, desecrate resources
and treat others as less—much less
as their tears fall in the rivers
and we say—now—we have peace
and Your tears fall over all
God of mercy
wash out our eyes
redesign our words
refit our vision
realign our understanding
whisper again in our hearts
turn our faces to the east, west, north, south
God of peace
when love abounds
when each and all are worthy
when each has place and plenty
when justice reigns
when righteousness flourishes
when Jesus is our good news
then peace will be beyond our knowing. Amen.
 

Hymn -  Called by Christ to Love Each Other  - Sing for Peace #36
 
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.
  God of all nations and all peoples, by whatever name you are known, we come before you in praise and thanksgiving. Guide us into the joy of being, and the desire for joyful peace for all peoples.
The People Pray in Silence
  We pray particularly for the nation and people of Bolivia this day. Bless them with strength and courage as they work to build a peaceful future for their children.
The People Pray in Silence
  We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today. Great God, We would also ask for your guidance as we try to live by your standards of peace. Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask.
The People Pray in Silence
  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.
The People Pray in Silence
  Hear our collective prayers, O God of Peace, that your peace may become the peace of this world. Amen.
 
Sending Forth
  We conclude our service today with Ministry of Music. You are invited to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of this place for as long as you may wish.

May the God of peace be with us as we go forth to be peacemakers in our world.
 
Ministry of Music