Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Cape Verde
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more about Cape Verde?
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Lonely
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred
place, and thank you for joining us in prayer and worship. 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 Cape Verde in our prayers. Cape
Verde is a series of islands located off the western coast of Africa.
Initially a Portuguese colony, Cape Verde gained its independence in
1975. Drought caused by weather changes and aggravated by deforestation,
and overgrazing, is an ongoing problem. The country produces only about
20% of its needed food supply and must import the rest. Tourism is the
nation’s main growth industry, and the country remains prosperous by
West African standards. Famine is no longer an imminent threat, yet
there is little improvement in the life of the average Cape Verde
citizen. For those without family abroad, conditions remain difficult.
Today is the Second Sunday of the Advent Season. We celebrate the Hope
of God as we prepare the way for the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus
Christ. Let us celebrate together, and join our hearts and minds in
praying for peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:4-5, adapted |
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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 Anne Smith, Independence,
Missouri |
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Our Gracious Lord,
We come before you now with bowed heads and uplifted hearts seeking a
path to peace for the inhabitants of this earth. We know that such a
loving God must feel anguish over the massive violence and suffering
that exists in the world today. Each individual is precious to you so we
ask for insight and courage as we labor for peace, justice, mercy, and
harmony in the lands across this planet. We pray for the victims of
oppression and the hearts of the oppressor, the hungry as well as those
who would exploit them, the ill and all who are faced with hopelessness.
Sometimes the task of building peace is so overwhelming that we just
want to give up. Help us to realize that we can't do everything, but
each person can do something. We have been told in the scriptures, "So
let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at
harvest time, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9).
It is our prayer that we heed this admonition for we know that true
peace can be achieved only by trusting, loving, and helping each other.
Give us the strength, wisdom, and vision to undertake those tasks which
will further the cause of peace.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen. |
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Hymn - The First Nowell vs. 1,2,&4 -
Hymns of the Saints #246 |
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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, races, and creeds, we praise
you. You are our refuge in times of trial and our joy in times of
celebration. We praise you for your plan for peace, and for the
peacemakers who are continually working to serve your purpose. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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You are the fount of intelligence by which we earn our bread and seek to
serve you. We are grateful, and ask for your guidance. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Heal our brokenness, forgive our sins, and lead us into paths of peace,
we humbly pray. This day we especially ask for your blessings on the
people and the nation of Cape Verde. Their needs are so many. Please
guide them into paths of peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We would also remember those who hunger and thirst for food, knowledge,
friends, shelter, or clothing. May we learn to share of our abundance. |
| 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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May your truth radiate from this place as we seek to be your people of
peace in the world. 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 and pray or meditate for
as long as you may wish.
Let us now answer that call of peace that is generated by Jesus the
Christ. Go in peace, and the God of peace will bless you. |
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| Ministry of Music |
