Lithuania

Invitation

Good afternoon.  Welcome to this time of worship and prayer for peace.

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

Today we remember the people of Lithuania in our prayers.  The Republic of Lithuania is the largest and most populous of the Baltic states in Northern Europe and became the first country to declare independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.  The country has a high income average and well-developed infrastructure with strong emphasis on education.  The economy is growing after the challenges of the global economic crisis in the past year.

Together with the people of Lithuania, and all nations, we unite in prayer as we seek God’s blessing of peace for all creation. 

Scripture Reading
—Romans 14:17-18 INT

For the kingdom of God is a matter not of eating and drinking, but of justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  If we all serve Christ this way, we will be pleasing to God and respected by our sisters and brothers.

Prayer for Peace
— Author Unknown

Gracious and Loving God, who knows us each by name,

We pause in this moment to lift our collective voices and hearts in a daily prayer for peace.
God, we live in a world that often lacks peace…

We live in a world where people fight with one another, oppress each other, and struggle for earthly power and control.

We live in a world where people destroy the earth out of ignorance and laziness and without fully understanding the impacts of their actions.

We live in a world where people die of disease, hunger, natural disasters, and random unfortunate accidents.

Amid this turmoil, Oh God, it is often difficult to imagine Your peace.

We pray for inspiration that we might be able to capture a glimpse of Your vision of Shalom.

We pray for transformation that we might better know how to shape our words and deeds to be peacemakers where we live and serve.

We pray for wisdom that we might more deeply understand the complexities of peace and justice and how to create new systems that uphold the worth of all people and the beauty of all creation.

We pray for courage that we might be willing to be your instruments of peace as we come face-to-face with injustice.

But mostly, God of Peace, we pray for love. For we realize that it is your generous sharing of love through the gift of Your son, Jesus Christ, that peace is possible.

Shape and form us as generous disciples as we receive your love today and always. Let us multiply your love through our words and actions.

God who knows and loves us all by name…Send us into the world as your hands and feet and bless us to act in peace with your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hymn
We Thank Thee, God, for Eyes to See - Hymns of the Saints #465

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 thank you, God, for all the blessings of life. You are the Giver of all Gifts, and the Light of the World.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude and praise for your mercy and love.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess to you our shortcomings.  In your compassion, forgive our sins and lead us in paths of righteousness and peace. 

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for Lithuania, its leaders and its people.  Guide the leaders of all nations to work for justice and peace within and beyond their nations’ borders.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the just and equitable use of the resources of your earth. May all people be wise stewards and share generously for the well-being of all your precious children.

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 our lives reflect your love for all creation.  In Jesus’ name, 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 us go forth to share the just and lasting peace that is found through the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ministry of Music