Benin
Daily Prayer for Peace
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle
Invitation
I welcome you in the name of Jesus Christ and invite you into this time of worship and prayer with God’s spirit of 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 Benin in our prayers. Located in West Africa, Benin is a very small country. Since 2007, the government has promised to rid the country of corruption, and continues to work for justice. In 2009, the first African scientist to bring hope in a new drug was granted a patent for a drug to fight sickle-cell anemia.
During this season of Lent, we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and the need for peace in our lives and in our world. May this time of worship and prayer renew in us the call to share Christ’s love that is for all who dwell on the earth.
Scripture Reading |
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Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need; so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. |
Prayer for Peace |
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O Holy God of all that exists, as vessels of clay we feel your hands still working with us, shaping us into the image of Christ. You do this by molding our thoughts to his thoughts, aligning our feet to his path, motivating our hands to his deeds, loosening our tongues to his words. As this love for his Way deepens within us, we feel a great peace—for nothing offends us. Herein we are empowered as peacemakers. Attune our ears to hear the cries of the wounded in our relationships, give us wisdom to repair broken bridges. But most of all, awaken us from our drugged sleep, induced by the daily rush of activities, which provoke us to cry out “Yes, Lord, I will help—but tomorrow!” And so the cries of the neglected ascend to you in the dark night. Forgive us of our apathy, our sins of omissions. Forgive us for our missed opportunities to be peacemakers. Fan the flame in our hearts to be vessels of service for you. Make us supple in your hands through the spirit of repentance. Mold us anew in our Lord Jesus' beautiful, holy image. We commit our will to do your work. Amen. |
Hymn |
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Prayers of the People |
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Gracious God, thank you for knowing us and loving us. Guide us in our Lenten journey that we might discover anew the depth of your love for all humanity. Renew us and transform us we pray. |
The People Pray in Silence |
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With humility we seek your forgiveness for our sins which separate us from you and from each other. Help us tear down walls of division and build bridges of justice, acceptance and peace. |
The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for this community, all nations, and especially for the nation and people of Benin. We pray for all who suffer from the injustice of poverty, hunger and violence. May all persons know their invaluable worth as your precious children and walk in the light of your love. |
The People Pray in Silence |
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We uphold the needs and concerns of those gathered here today. Help each of us find wholeness and healing in your presence of peace. |
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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Guide us in paths of righteousness and peace, we pray. Amen. |
Sending Forth |
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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. May our Lenten journey take us both inward to know Christ’s peace and outward to share Christ’s peace. Amen. |
Ministry of Music |
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