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

Map of Nicaragua

Flag of Nicaragua
Nicaragua

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

Invitation
  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."
 
Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:11 IP
  The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
 

Prayer for Peace by Howard J. Booth, Lamoni, Iowa
  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.
 

Hymn -  We Are Called to Be Peacemakers - Sing for Peace #23
 
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.
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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 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.
 
Ministry of Music