Taiwan

Invitation

Good afternoon.  In the name of Jesus Christ, I welcome you to this time of worship and prayer 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 Taiwan in our prayers.  Located off the Southeast coast of China, Taiwan is technically a part of China.  Taiwan, however, regards itself as an independent country, which is the cause of a good deal of tension.  The dominant political issue continues to be the relationship between Taiwan and China and the question of eventual reunification. Taiwan has prospered through the years to become one of East Asia's economic winners.  Community of Christ has been established in Taiwan since 1976.

As we unite in worship and prayer, we seek just and lasting peace for the people of Taiwan and for the people of all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Psalm 5:1-3, 11-12 IP

Take note of my words, Adonai!
Understand my sighs!
Listen to my cry for help, my Ruler, my God—
for it is to you that I pray.
Adonai, every morning you hear my voice,
every morning I put my requests before you, and I wait.

Let all who take refuge in you
be glad and rejoice forever.
Protect them,
so that those who love your Name
will rejoice in you.
As for the just, Adonai,
you surround them with the shield of your will.

Prayer for Peace
— Ken Simpson, Independence, Missouri, USA

Gracious and loving God, we have gathered as we live: in the name of our Lord and Savior, the Prince of Peace.

We gather, in part, because the gentle touch of your Holy Spirit has, on occasion, brought to our daily existence a peace that has fulfilled the deepest longings of our troubled souls.

We gather, seeking again that peace, not for ourselves only, but to better understand how we may become instruments of your peace:  to share with those who know you not, and are unaware that this peace will not only transform their lives, but is the power by which you desire to transform the powers of this world into the kingdom of your Eternal Presence.

We gather in this place to symbolize our unity before you, and our willingness both to receive the blessing of your peace and to go forth as ambassadors for peace in your world to witness having been in your presence.

We gather to acknowledge the many places which are beyond our personal stewardship, and to affirm our faith in the ministry of your Holy Spirit to respond in those places and in those ways to prepare both lives and nations for fuller expressions of your Divine Love.

We gather to experience the strength of your presence and to go forth in that strength, to demonstrate the power of your peace in life, in word, and in deed.

In the name of the One who is our peace, Christ Jesus, our Lord we pray.  Amen.

Hymn
Of All the Spirit's Gifts to Me - Sing for Peace #12

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.

Creator God, we praise you and give you thanks for the beauty of creation and for the blessings of life.  May we be guided by your spirit as we seek to uphold the sacredness of creation and invaluable worth of each person.

The People Pray in Silence

We humbly ask forgiveness for our sins of selfishness and pride which separate us from you and from each other.  Enfold us with your grace so we may experience the full expression of your love for us and for all your precious children.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold the people and nation of Taiwan.  May their leaders and the leaders of all nations be guided by your spirit of peace in seeking justice for all.

The People Pray in Silence

Guide all earth's people so we will use your creation in a just and equitable way. May we share generously from our abundance with a full awareness of how our choices impact the lives of others.

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

Our God and our friend, we give you praise, and honor, and glory as we offer ourselves to be instruments of your peace on earth.  We pray 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.

May God give you peace by the power of the Spirit, and may Christ deeply dwell within your heart.  Amen.

Ministry of Music