Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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East Timor
Would you like to learn
more about East Timor?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred
place, and thank you for your gift of presence. 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’ll remember the people of East Timor in our prayers. The first
new nation of the 21st century is located in Southeast Asia. East Timor
was a Portuguese colony from the 17th century until 1975. When the
Portuguese left, Indonesia invaded and annexed East Timor which resulted
in many Timorese deaths over two decades. The United Nations condemned
Indonesia's occupation, and in 1999 a UN-organized referendum showed
that most East Timorese wanted independence. The United Nations guided
East Timor to independence in 2002. The country is the poorest in Asia,
but oil in the Timor Sea promises future revenue.
It is good to meet in the name of the Prince of Peace who came to show
us the way to a better life. Thank you for coming to share in worship. |
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| Scripture Reading: Third Book of Nephi 5:56 Book
of Mormon |
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And blessed are all the peacemakers, for
they shall be called children of God. |
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Prayer for Peace by Lu Mountenay,
Independence, Missouri |
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Creator God:
Where does peace live?
Does peace live in the diplomatic words between ambassadors; or
does it live in the humble activities of workers in the field?
Does peace live in the pleasing words of politicians;
or in the wealth of the earth, justly distributed?
Does peace live in the mighty metaphors of philosophers;
or in the deeds of the servant who helps her neighbor?
Can peace be determined by a global census;
or by an ecologically healthy plant?
Can it be measured by absence of war within and between borders;
or measured by the absence of those borders?
Can it be forced upon a people of power, prestige, and possession;
or instilled into open hearts by your sweet Spirit?
Lord, we know we must search for these answers by ourselves –
and we pray that you will encourage us to ask more questions... to ask,
and then to act. May we not pray for peace unless we are willing to work
for justice.
And then, in these prayers and in our willingness, may our motivation be
love;
may justice be our hope, may joy be our reward; when peace is our goal.
Amen. |
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Hymn - How Happy You Who Work for Peace!
- Sing for Peace #24 |
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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. Guide us into
the joy of being and into the desire for joyful peace for all people. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. Great God, 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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We pray particularly for the nation and people of East Timor. The people
suffer from poverty and violence, and we pray that the world may
recognize their needs and share of their abundance along with the
peacemakers. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Loving God, we pray for the blessing of your peace to rest upon
those who love someone, but can be with them no longer on earth. May
they find hope in your promises. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those
gathered here today. Please guide us as we seek your will. |
| 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 collective prayers, O God of Peace, 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 have worshiped, praying for the peace that only God can give, let
us now go forth in the name of the One who teaches us peace, and become
makers of peace in our homes and communities. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
