Oman

Invitation

Good afternoon.  I welcome you to this time of worship and prayer with God’s spirit of 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 Oman in our prayers.  The Sultanate of Oman is an Arab state in southwest Asia.  Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.  Oil exportation has financed roads, schools, and hospitals.  The majority of Omanis still farm or fish, and protection of fisheries and coastal zones is promoted.  In 1997, Omani women were given the right to vote and to stand for election; five years later, the same right was extended to all voters above the age of 21.

As we unite in worship and prayer, we join with the people of Oman, and all nations, in upholding and pursuing just and lasting peace for all creation.

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
— Gary McDonald, Blue Springs, Missouri, USA

Our Loving Creator,
Make us instruments of your peace. Let us realize in our heart of hearts, and know in our minds that peace can be achieved only through people.
Let every single living person desire peace in their hearts, peace in their families, peace in their communities, and peace between nations.
Lord, let us realize that peace depends upon each one of us putting into action the art of peace.
The art of peace is putting the power of good will to work.
Lord, help us mature in our human relationships to see that peace is sanity and common sense.
Peace is open-mindedness. It is a willingness to listen.  It is looking at both sides of a situation objectively.
Lord, let us be patient. Let us keep our tempers from rising. Let us rise above petty irritations.
Let us avoid hasty and impulsive decisions.
Give us courage and the humility to admit mistakes and to take the blame when we are wrong.
Lord, grant us vision to see possibilities.
Let us be willing to give and forgive.
Let us be willing to place the common good above our individual desires.
Let us see above all that you are that peace. Allow us a mighty faith in your divine goodness and in our own potential.
Let us see that in Jesus is the peace that passes all understanding.
In Jesus’ Holy name we pray.  Amen

Hymn
O God of Every Nation - Hymns of the Saints #175

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.

We praise you, God of all creation, for your love and mercy are vast and truly know no measure.  Surround us with your spirit of peace and open our hearts and minds to your loving presence.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess that we fall short of being the persons of love you created us to be.  Help us reach out with loving hearts and willing hands to meet the needs of others.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing of peace the nation and people of Oman.  Guide the leaders of all nations in working together for the well-being of all persons. 

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today and seek your guidance as we strive to live by your standard of 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

Hear our collective prayers, O God, and lead us in paths of righteousness and peace.  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 us go forth with renewed commitment to pursue justice for all persons so that hatred and division might give way to love and peace.

Ministry of Music