New Zealand
Daily Prayer for Peace
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle
Invitation
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, we pray for peace and uphold one of the nations of the world.
Today we uphold the people of New Zealand in our prayers. New Zealand is an island nation located in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It has a beautiful and diverse landscape and great biodiversity with many endemic species of plants and animals. The majority of the population is of European descent; the indigenous Maori are the largest minority and greatly influence the country’s culture and arts. Community of Christ has been established in New Zealand since 1974.
As we unite in worship, may we find renewal in God’s spirit of peace as we strive to be people of justice and peace for the well-being of the people of New Zealand and all nations.
Scripture Reading |
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Is not this what I require of you, to loose the fetters of injustice, to untie the knots of the yoke, and set free those who have been crushed? Is it not sharing your food with the hungry, taking the homeless poor into your house, clothing the naked when you meet them and never evading a duty to your kinsfolk? If you cease to pervert justice, to point the accusing finger and lay false charges, if you feed the hungry from your own plenty and satisfy the needs of the wretched, then your light will rise like dawn out of darkness and your dusk be like noonday. The Lord will be your guide continually and will give you strength of limb. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. You shall be called Rebuilder of broken walls, Restorer of houses in ruins. |
Prayer for Peace |
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Gracious and Compassionate One, You are everywhere. You are in the bluest skies, the brightest stars, and you are in the hearts of all your children, even those of us who have lost our way. Be with those who reside in the dark. Let them see the light of your love. Let them understand and mirror your love and compassion for all creation. Please bless each and every one of your children in the world with your unfailing grace and love. Let it surround us. Let it flow through us. Let it sustain us. O Lord, give us the courage to press on even in the darkest times in our lives. Give us the strength to work for the cause of peace, especially now in these uncertain times when peace may seem like a lost cause. Guide us as we seek to bring your compassion to this world. In the name of your Holy Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. |
Hymn |
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Prayers of the People |
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God of all the earth and those who dwell thereon, we thank you for your mercy, your goodness, and your plan for all of creation to be at peace. |
The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for divine forgiveness when we have not been compassionate or loving or just. We pray for courage to be your presence of healing and peace in the world. |
The People Pray in Silence |
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We uphold for your blessing the nation and people of New Zealand. Guide the leaders of all nations in pursuing justice for all peoples. May all your children know freedom, acceptance and peace. |
The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those gathered here this day. May each one be blessed by your healing touch, and find peace in your presence. |
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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We lift our hearts and minds and voices in honor and praise to you God of Peace. In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen. |
Sending Forth |
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Our service concludes with ministry of music, after which you are invited to remain in the quiet of this place and pray or meditate. Let us go forth from this place and joyfully serve in the ministry of Christ as we strive to be the people of reconciliation, healing and peace we are called to be. |
Ministry of Music |
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