Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Nicaragua
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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. 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 Nicaragua in our prayers. Located
in Central America, violent opposition to governmental manipulation and
corruption has caused decades of civil war. The country has slowly
rebuilt its economy during the 1990s, but was hard hit by Hurricane
Mitch in 1998. The World Bank wrote off four-fifths of the country's
debt in January 2004, six months later Russia cancelled debts stretching
back to the Soviet era.
As we remember Nicaragua this day, let us also remember other places
where severe conditions make living and earning a livelihood difficult.
As we meet together, let the God of all people guide our worship so that
we may be able to say, "Yes, Lord, it is good to meet with you.
Enlighten us and teach us, we pray." |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:11 IP |
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The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall
delight themselves in the abundance of peace. |
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Prayer for Peace by Howard J. Booth, Lamoni,
Iowa |
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God,
We pray for peace in distant lands as well as our own. For we know in
our most solemn moments that our hopes and dreams are not unlike the
hopes and dreams of persons in lands afar. God of all nations, we pray
for peace in every land.
We acknowledge brokenness in our world today. It raises its ugliness in
the distance between nations and peoples, as we choose up sides.
Grant us a growing determination to withstand impatience over unresolved
conflicts.
Push us until we ache for peace, until we are willing to pursue it
without reservation.
Grant us the ability and will to love even enemies until such love shall
beget love.
May Christ's love be so rooted in our lives that prejudices and
suspicions of humanity will be swallowed up in acts of sisterhood and
brotherhood. May we be numbered among the peacemakers, that we may be a
blessing to the world. Amen. |
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Hymn - We Are Called to Be Peacemakers
- Sing for Peace #23 |
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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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We praise you, God of all nations, for your mercy is
vast, and your greatness beyond our comprehension. In peace we pray to
you, Lord God, and dare to ask your blessing for all people in their
daily life and work; for our families, friends, and neighbors, and for
those who are alone. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We especially pray for your people in Nicaragua this day. Be with them
as they seek justice and peace in their lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We remember, and ask your guidance, for all who sorrow, fear, or have
special needs. May we follow your example and minister in your stead. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our shortcomings. Forgive us, we pray, and may we go from
here strengthened in body and mind for the task before us to be your
peacemakers in our world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We remember the concerns and needs of those gathered here. Lord, hear
our prayers, and send your Holy Spirit to be with us as we seek to know
and do your will. |
| 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 of Peace, that your peace may become
the peace of this world. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service with Ministry of Music. Please
feel free to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of this place for
as long as you may wish.
Now may the God of peace guide us into those paths of righteousness
which lead to peace. Let us go forth and be the peacemakers and
peacekeepers we are called to be. |
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| Ministry of Music |
