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

Map of Portugal

Flag of Portugal
Portugal

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

Invitation
  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.
 
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 54:10 NRSV
  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.
 

Prayer for Peace by Gordon Mesley, Independence, Missouri
  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.
 

Hymn -  Children of the Heavenly Father - Hymns of the Saints #156
 
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 for all of the goodness within our lives.
The People Pray in Silence
  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
  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
  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
  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, that your peace may become the peace of this world. Amen.
 
Sending Forth
  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.
 
Ministry of Music