Qatar

Scripture Reading
—Colossians 3:12-17 INT

Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, with kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another—forgive in the same way God has forgiven you.  Above all else, put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect.

Let Christ’s peace reign in your hearts since, as members of one body, you have been called to that peace.  Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness.  Let the Word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you.  Instruct and admonish one another wisely.  Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns and songs of the Spirit.  And whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of Jesus our Savior, giving thanks to God through Christ.

Prayer for Peace
— Donna M. Pratt, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Heavenly Parent,
Out of the silence we come to You.
To You who gives voice to the thunder and to the laughter of children,
To You who allows us to see the beauty of your earth which was created for us to use wisely,
Who allows us to smell the new-mown hay as well as the bread freshly baked for your Holy Sacrament,
or to share with a neighbor,
Who allows us to touch hands in friendship and to soothe the brow of those who are at times troubled and weary.
We ask that you create in us a new being,
a being that is hungering for peace,
One that would go the second mile, and the third, and the fourth.
Help us to have hearts that respond
positively when we think that we are wronged,
Help us to see "the other side" of every situation in which we are involved
For we know, dear God, that it is through our faith in You
That we are blessed.
And this blessing can, when used correctly,
Bring about that Peace for which we have yearned so long.
As we observe the lighted peace candle, let us center our thoughts on peace.
Peace...what a beautiful sound.
Let it start with me.   Amen.

Hymn
In Christ there Is No East of West - Hymns of the Saints #449

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.

Loving and present God, we recognize you as the source of all gifts and give thanks and praise for the gifts of creation and the blessing of sacred community.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess our shortcomings and humbly seek your forgiveness.  Guide us as we strive to live in righteous relationship with you, with one another and with all creation.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for Qatar, its leaders and people.  Bless all who work for freedom, justice and peace within and beyond their nations’ borders.

The People Pray in Silence

Open our minds to new ways of being stewards of the earth and its resources.  Teach us to work for justice, healing and peace, not for ourselves alone but for all creation.

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

In the name of Christ Jesus we pray, 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 Christ’s peace reign in our hearts and shine through all we say and do.  Amen.

Ministry of Music