Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Sweden
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We welcome you to this quiet place today as
we gather to 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 hold up the people of Sweden in our prayers. Located in
Northern Europe, Sweden has not participated in any war in almost two
centuries. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist
system interlarded with substantial welfare elements was challenged in
the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 by the global economic
downturn, but fiscal discipline over recent years has allowed the
country to weather the economic vacuum. Indecision over the country's
role in the political and economic integration of Europe delayed
Sweden's entry into the European Union until 1995.
Let us unite as one in supplication to our God for guidance in
peacemaking. The God of peace will be with us. |
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| Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:17-19, adapted |
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And Christ came and preached peace to you
who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through Christ we
both have access in one Spirit to God. So then we are no longer
strangers and sojourners, but are citizens with the saints and members
of the household of God.
Through Christ we are reconciled to God and to each other. |
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Prayer for Peace by Kathy McAdam, Burnaby,
British Columbia., Canada |
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May peace lap at the edges of our restless minds as the
tide laps at the shore. The peace of God will surround us gently and
slowly. It will flood our souls and calm the ripples of restlessness.
In quiet moments when our problems and fear creep in and invade our
minds, may we let the rolling waves of God's loving Spirit wash away our
fears. May our problems be carried on the crest of our Creator's Spirit.
May we be refreshed and renewed by the surging waters of love that wash
over us. God of the seas and the waves, give us peace. Amen. |
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Hymn - Heal Me, Hands of Jesus -
Sing for Peace #33 |
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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, Creator of all that is or has ever been, we
praise you for knowing us, a small portion of your creation. We thank
you for all the blessings of this life: for family, friends, and those
who give particular meaning to our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our shortcomings before you, even our sins that prevent us
from being the persons you created us to be. Forgive us, we humbly pray,
and guide us into paths of truer servanthood. Help us to be the
peacemakers we yearn to be. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We lift up before you the country of Sweden and its inhabitants. May
they continue to live in peace among themselves and with others. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May our desires be a reflection of your plan for all creation as we ask
your blessing on our needs and concerns this day. |
| 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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Hear our prayer, O God, as we offer ourselves to be instruments of your
peace. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service for 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.
Jesus came for one purpose--to bring Godself to us. The wonder of that
gift astounds us. Peace arises from the wellspring of hope and we are
empowered. Go in peace to serve God. |
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| Ministry of Music |