Armenia

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, I welcome each one gathered here and all who join us in praying for peace.

Each day in this Temple, dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation and healing of the spirit, we pray for peace and uphold one of the nations of the world.

Today we remember the people of Armenia in our prayers.  Smallest of the former Soviet republics, Armenia lies in rugged mountains in southwestern Asia.  One of the cradles of civilization, Armenia’s countryside is astonishing.  Its depths hold a wealth of natural resources, including gold, copper and precious stones.  After gaining independence in 1991, the nation took the lead among the former Soviet Republics in privatizing its farmland. 

Together with people of all nations, we unite in prayer for God’s spirit of peace to be resident in the hearts of all persons and in all communities.

Scripture Reading
—Isaiah 61:8-11 NRSV

For I the Lord love justice,
I hate robbery and wrongdoing. 
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 
Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
and their offspring among the peoples:
all who see them shall acknowledge
that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. 
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me… with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.

Prayer for Peace
— Bruce Lindgren, Independence, Missouri, USA

O God of Peace, we gather together today to share our concerns for peace in the world you have created.  We have been richly blessed by your kind and loving Spirit, and we know that we have possessions and comforts that are beyond the imagining of many of the people in your world.  At the same time we are restless, knowing that true peace and true comfort come only from you.

Help us, O God, to hear the cries of the unfortunate and the oppressed.  May we seek to understand them as your son, Jesus, would understand them.  Help us to understand the lack of peace is within ourselves and within those we meet.  Help us to bring peace to each other.  Help us to understand those who live in fear.  Help us to find ways to share your peace with those who are far from us as well as those who are close by.

Teach us, O God, to be instruments of your peace.  Encourage us to be close to each other and closer to you.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hymn
The City Is Alive, O God - Hymns of the Saints #375

Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the “Prayers of the People. During the moments of quiet, you are invited to pray silently or meditate.

Gracious God, we thank you for knowing us and loving us beyond our ability to imagine.  We offer our praise for all that you are and for the beauty of all you have created.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for courage to be your presence in actions of justice, compassion, tenderness, and love.  We seek your forgiveness when we have not been compassionate or loving or just.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing of peace the nation and people of Armenia.  Guide all who work for justice, freedom and peace within and among nations.

The People Pray in Silence

We recognize the need for peace in ourselves, our families, our nation, and our church.  Hear our concerns, we pray.

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

This day, in response to your call, we offer ourselves as instruments of peace
in our world. Amen

Sending Forth

 Our service concludes with ministry of music, and you are invited to remain in the quiet of this place and pray or meditate as long as you wish.
As we learn of God and follow the teachings of Christ, may we find joy in serving others and work together to bring forth God’s kingdom of peace for all the earth.

Ministry of Music