Belgium

Invitation

Good afternoon.  I welcome you in the name of Christ and thank you for joining in this time of worship and prayer.

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

Today we remember the people of Belgium in our prayers. Belgium is located in Europe, between France and Germany.  The headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are located in Belgium.  Despite its political and linguistic divisions, Belgium has had tremendous artistic movements that have greatly influenced European art and culture.

As we unite in worship, may we also be united, as brothers and sisters in Christ, with a common desire for the welfare of persons in all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Matthew 5:14-16 NIV, adapted

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before all people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Creator in heaven.

Prayer for Peace
— Kent Parker, Independence, Missouri, USA

Creator of all, sustainer of each and every example of life; search us now we pray.  Erase from our lives the extras that keep us from that peaceable existence that can only come about when we know that we are your creation.  Light the fire of gentle peace within our souls, O God.  Activate our desire to serve.

Call us to active peace-making.  Draw us out of our safe thoughts and enfolding beliefs into the service of the cause of peace.  Enable us to bless that world which aches for the breath of life that comes about with our being near to you.

Let us look out over humanity and see the pervasive need that permeates the heart and soul of a world sublimated to avarice and greed.  Encourage us to raise our hearts, voices and hands against that which serves to humiliate and humble.  Chide us to, as the song says, “guard each one’s dignity.”  Wash us with the warmth of your love from whence comes your peace.

We are aware of our shortcomings, but we are also very aware of the shining light of the gifts with which you have graced our existence.  Because you have loved us, O God; we will stand for you raising our own call for the peace of God to wash over this planet like a great embracing wave; washing into every home and place until all of creation acknowledges its Creator.  We will stand for peace until that great and glorious day when ALL shall say, “It is done.  It is good.”

Amen and Amen.

Hymn
Bring Forth the Kingdom - Sing for Peace #9

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.

We praise you, God, by whom all things are made holy.  We praise you for this day, which comes from your grace and returns to your grace; for every moment when the work of our hands and hearts is blessed beyond our understanding, and our hearts made glad by a peace we did not earn.

The People Pray in Silence

By your humility, teach us to turn our backs on pride; by your weakness, overcome our need for power; by your embracing heart, erase our fear of those who are different; by your love, still all our unloving ways; by your peace, reverse all our impulses for hostility.

The People Pray in Silence

Hear us, God, as we pray for the world you love.  We hold to the light of your love the nation and people of Belgium.  Bring wholeness of mind and body to those in need, and the peace only you can give.  Make all your people one in care and purpose.

The People Pray in Silence

Bring your gifts of hope and promise to those who live with despair, with grief, with terror. Empower the timid and convert the powerful.  Be present to those who are close to our hearts and thoughts but absent from among us today. 

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

May we seek peace with justice and joyfully celebrate the gifts of each day.  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.

Let your light shine before all people, so all may know the joy and peace that is found through Christ.

Ministry of Music