Estonia

Invitation

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

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 Estonia in our prayers. Located in Eastern Europe, Estonia is the smallest in population of the former Soviet republics.  It was the first to push for autonomy and gained its freedom in 1991.  The country is ranked highly for press freedom, economic freedom, democracy and political freedom and education.

We seek God’s peace for the people of Estonia and all nations.  Let us join in worship and prayer as we seek to be God’s presence of peace in our world.

Scripture Reading
—Matthew 5:38-48 INT

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.

Prayer for Peace
— Eileen Terril, Blue Springs, Missouri, USA

O God of Peace,
The ways of the world are difficult, O God.  From the very beginnings of humankind, we have inflicted each other with hatred and war, abuse and cruelty.  The weak and marginalized have been oppressed and degraded.  People have worked to build their own power, wealth and egos at the expense of the powerless, fragile, and frightened. 

As flawed humans, we have put distance between ourselves and others in too many ways.  We see the race, political views, education, social status, monetary worth, or gender of others as lesser than our own, forgetting that all are equal in your sight.

As people of faith, we try to follow your teachings of peace, decrying violence, oppression, and any actions that degrade or hurt others.  We sometimes fail.  We more often may be guilty of fear and apathy—unsure of what we can do to alleviate the suffering of others, when that suffering seems to fill the world.

Jesus taught us that when we see anyone hungry and feed them, thirsty and give them a drink, naked and clothe them, sick or imprisoned and visit them, that we do that for Jesus—that we minister to and in the stead of the Divine.  Jesus also taught that when we see anyone afflicted in these ways, and DO NOT try to help, that we not only extend the hurt of that person, but we also turn our back on God.

O, Parent of Peace:  We know that there are many people, not only around the world but on our own streets, that live lives of fear, oppression and abuse.  Each one of these are your children, just as each of us are your children.  Each child of God deserves a life of honor, safety, and love.  Each child of God deserves to live free from fear or want for themselves and their families.  Each child of God deserves our consideration and respect.  Each child of God deserves to live in peace.

Amen.

Hymn
Help Us Express Your Love - Hymns of the Saints #415

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.

God of all creation, your love for us is limitless and our praise seems so inadequate.  We come to you with gratitude and pray that our lives reflect a portion of your love for all the earth.

The People Pray in Silence

Forgive us when we have turned away from you and have engaged in thoughts and actions that did not promote peace.  Forgive us, heal us, and lead us in paths of grace and peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for your blessing of peace on the nation and people of Estonia.  May the leaders of all nations work together so that all persons may experience justice, freedom and true and lasting peace.

The People Pray in Silence

Guide us in our journey of reflection, repentance and renewal.  Free us from all that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of your love and peace.

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

We pray in the name of Christ, 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.

May our journey of inward discovery lead to outward expressions of God’s great love for all creation.

Ministry of Music