Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Iceland
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Lonely
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred
place, and we greet you in the name of Jesus, our friend and Savior.
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 Iceland in our prayers. Located in
Northern Europe, Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning
legislative assembly, established in 930. Independent for over 300
years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Limited
home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence
attained in 1944. The only NATO nation with no military forces, Iceland
is one of several countries with a 100 percent literacy rate and one of
the longest life expectancies. Almost all of Iceland's electricity and
heating come from hydroelectric power and geothermal water reserves.
Iceland's economy began to slow in 2007, and fishing quotas have been
cut back because of diminishing stock of codfish. Clashes between
environmental organizations and the Icelandic whaling industry have
caused issues.
As we leave the concerns of the world and enter into prayer, let us
worship together and lift up an ensign of peace unto the ends of the
earth. |
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| Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:38-48 INT |
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You’ve heard the commandment, ‘An eye for
an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
But I tell you, don’t resist an evil person. When someone strikes you on
the right cheek, turn and offer the other. If anyone wants to sue you
for your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Should anyone press you
into service for one mile, go two miles. Give to those who beg from you.
And don’t turn your back on those who want to borrow from you.
You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor—but hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. This
will prove that you are children of God. For God makes the sun rise on
bad and good alike; God’s rain falls on the just and the unjust. If you
love those who love you, what merit is there in that? Don’t tax
collectors do as much? And if you greet only your sisters and brothers,
what is so praiseworthy about that? Don’t Gentiles do as much? Therefore
be perfect, as Abba God in heaven is perfect. |
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Prayer for Peace by Marvin J. Rice, St.
Peters, Missouri |
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O God, our Creator, whose Spirit moved upon the face of
that creation and declared all things as good; whose Spirit moves among
all the people of the Earth, "and art preserving us from day to day by
lending us breath," we humbly approach thy throne at this moment to
petition thee.
May that same creating, sustaining Spirit grant us thy peace.
Let the peace of thy Spirit reside in the hearts of people until there
is no room for fear or hatred or doubt.
Let the peace of thy Spirit reside in our homes until husband and wife,
parent and child, brother and sister are filled with the desire to live
in harmony and to uphold the worth of each family member.
Let the peace of thy Spirit live within us so that we may become
ambassadors of thy peace throughout all the world.
And let the peace of thy Spirit always be abundant in this sanctuary.
May it touch the lives and hearts of all who enter here. And may they
leave with the sure knowledge that God is in this place. In the name of
Jesus we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit
Eternal - Hymns of the Saints #409 |
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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 that is, all that ever was, and all that
shall come to be: We praise you for your presence in our lives and your
blessing of salvation. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We give thanks for this time of remembering your goodness, your loving
care, your guidance and your plan for all your creation to be at peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive us when we have not remembered and have been guilty of actions
and thoughts that did not promote peace. We do desire to be your people
of peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the nation of Iceland, its leaders and people. May they
learn and know peace as they seek to solve the issues they face. |
| 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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In the name of Jesus’ name we pray these things. 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.
Now, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of
love and peace shall be with you. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
