Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Portugal
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred place. 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 Portugal in our prayers. Located in
Southwestern Europe, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with
the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the
Napoleonic Wars, and the independence in 1822 of Brazil as a colony. A
1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades
repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military
coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year Portugal
granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal entered
the European Union in 1986. European Union loans funded infrastructure
improvements but added to the burden of debt. By 1997 the country saw a
reduction in inflation, a lowering of interest rates, and a reduction in
the fiscal deficit.
We come from the darkness of our night into the light of God's day.
Come, let us enter this worship with joy as we remember that great gift,
so freely given, that we might have abundant life. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 54:10 NRSV |
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For the mountains may depart, and the hills
be removed;
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you. |
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Prayer for Peace by Gordon Mesley,
Independence, Missouri |
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Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no words of
vengeance are heard, only words of forbearance; no strength is known,
only the strength of love; So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as
children of one Father; to whom be given honor and glory.
Guide the nations of our world into the way of justice and truth, and
establish among all peoples that peace which is the fruit of
righteousness, that we may become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his
Son.
Our Jesus, Son of the Father, commanded us to love our enemies; lead us
and our enemies from prejudice to truth; deliver us together from
hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time, O God, enable us
all to stand reconciled before you.
Teach us, your people, to rely on your strength and to accept our
responsibilities to our fellow citizens. Strengthen our wit and courage
to make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may
serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy name in all
of the world. Amen. |
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Hymn - Children of the Heavenly Father -
Hymns of the Saints #156 |
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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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God of all nations and all peoples, by whatever name you
are known, we come before you in praise and thanksgiving for all of the
goodness within our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. We would also
ask for your guidance as we try to live by your standards of peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Guide us into the joy of being, and the desire for joyful peace for all
peoples. We pray particularly for the nation and people of Portugal this
day. Be with them that they may be able to realize the dream of peace
and justice in their country. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today. Please be with
us, and guide us into paths of peace |
| 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, 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 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.
As we go from this house, let us remember our good resolves to be
peacemakers in our world. The Prince of Peace will be with us to guide
our every intent if we but listen to that still, small voice. Go,
therefore, and teach peace. |
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| Ministry of Music |
