Yemen

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, whose light and peace is for all creation, I welcome you to this sacred place and this time of worship and prayer.

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 Yemen in our prayers.  The Republic of Yemen, located in the southern Arabian Peninsula, is a culturally rich country with influences from many civilizations.  The population of 24 million is primarily Islamic with less than one percent being non-Muslim. Modest oil reserves provide most of the revenue along with cotton and coffee trade.  The government continues to work toward developing the economy, improving education and addressing human rights issues, particularly regarding violence against women.

As we unite in worship and prayer, we seek holistic peace which is God’s shalom for the people of Yemen and all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Matthew 5:14-16 NIV, adapted

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before all people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Creator in heaven.

Prayer for Peace
— Enid S. DeBarthe, Lamoni, Iowa, USA

Divine Creator of all Being, in quiet reverence we humbly acknowledge our joyful gratitude for the life, intelligence, potential, agency, and worth of each other and all others.  Help us recognize and appreciate our commonalties as well as our diversity of beliefs, values, and achievements.

May each one of us, whoever and wherever we may be, experience your in-dwelling Presence, guiding, comforting, sustaining, healing and enlarging our attitudes and actions.

Help each one of us understand how others feel, care, and need the love we have for them.

May we care enough to earnestly develop the will and skill for truly listening to each other so that we can bring healing and reconciliation in all our relationships.

May we each and all incarnate hope, love, joy and peace in all our interactions so that World Peace may become actuality today and tomorrow for all the peoples of the planet earth.  Amen.

Hymn
God! When Human Bonds Are Broken - Sing for Peace #18

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 peace and light, we join our hearts with countless others throughout the world who long for peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for courage to be your presence in actions of justice, compassion, tenderness, and love. We seek your forgiveness when we have not been compassionate, loving or just.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing of peace the nation of Yemen, its leaders and its people. Guide and give them courage to seek justice and peace for all persons.  May we all embody the love that you have for each or your precious children.

The People Pray in Silence

We know you are our hope for the whole world to be transformed by the joy, hope, peace, and love which resides in each of us. Give us the desire to take these gifts into the world and spread your light wherever we go.

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

May we always carry in our hearts your love and light. This we pray in Christ’s name, Amen.

Sending Forth

We invite you now to come forward quietly during the Ministry of Music and light a candle from the World Peace Flame yourself. Use it as a reminder of your potential and your ability to create a better world. Pass its flame to others as a gesture of your friendship, care, and respect. 

Each of these single acts may not seem to do anything toward changing the world. Yet when countless people do the same, the sum of all these gestures adds up to something very powerful. They add up to the world at peace. 

Come forward now to receive and light your candle, and then you may remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for as long as you wish. Peace be with you. Amen.

Ministry of Music