Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Bulgaria
Would you like to learn more about Bulgaria?
Visit
Lonely
Planet.
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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 Bulgaria in our prayers. Rich
farmland in the Danube Valley, sandy beaches on the Black Sea, and
mountainous terrain characterize one of Eastern Europe's least densely
populated nations. Bulgaria earned its independence from the Ottoman
Empire in 1878, but it fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and
became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990,
when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II, and
began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy.
Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward
eventual integration into the European Union. The country joined NATO in
2004.
Together, let us worship the giver of light and peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: Romans 14:19 INT |
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Therefore, let us conduct ourselves in ways
that lead to peace and mutual growth. |
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Prayer for Peace by Miriam Mann, Council
Bluffs, Iowa |
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Lord God, you have been searching for us, that is why we
seek you now. We thank you and praise you for all blessings. Give us new
understanding and appreciation for your wonderful gifts. Reveal your
will and what is best for our lives during this service of worship, we
pray.
We all sin and need your forgiveness, so help us to repent this day.
Thank you for showing us how valuable we are to you through our Lord
Jesus. We need your great knowledge and understanding to promote peace
in our lives. Guide us through the challenges and problems we face. Help
us to find new ways to explore and reach your goal for peace on earth.
Direct our steps so that we walk with you.
Renew and strengthen us through your Spirit. Incline our hearts to your
word, that we may speak peace with love and assurance to others. Let our
faith take what you offer, God for we ask it in Jesus' name and for his
glory. Amen |
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Hymn - Soften My Heart (sing 2 times) - Sing a
New Song #47 |
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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 thank you, God, for your blessings of friends,
family, and those who give particular meaning to our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess to you our shortcomings. In your mercy, we ask forgiveness
for our sins, things done and things left undone. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the nation of Bulgaria, their leaders and their people. May
they know peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for those who are oppressed by poverty, disease, exploitation,
and prejudice. May all realize their worth as your children. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Let us pray now for the concerns and needs of those who are gathered
here this day. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We hear you calling, O God, to continue to
engage in spiritual transformation as we build the peaceable kingdom on
earth. We lift up in prayer our church leaders who are preparing for
World Conference in April. May we be open to the Holy Spirit as we join
our hearts and minds to seek your will and direction. |
| 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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We pray for all people in the pursuit of their daily living. May we seek
peace with justice and joyfully celebrate the present day. 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.
Let us go from this place and keep our resolves to create peace in our
world. Let us not be the cause of disharmony, but musicians in the
concert of peace. Go forth assured that the God of peace will walk with
you. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
