Cyprus

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, I welcome all who are gathered in this sacred place, and all who join us around the world in prayer and are represented by the empty seats among us.

Each day in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray for peace within and with one another, and uphold one of the nations of the world.

Today we remember the people of Cyprus in our prayers.  Located in the Middle East, Cyprus gained its independence in 1960.  In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", but it is recognized only by Turkey.  Peace talks have been held sporadically, but Cyprus remains a country divided.  Both Turkey and the Republic are making moves toward full membership in the European Union, and this may force both sides to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

As we unite in worship and prayer, we seek justice, freedom and holistic peace for the people of Cyprus and all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Ephesians 4:29, 5:2 NRSV

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need; so that your words may give grace to those who hear.

And live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Prayer for Peace
— David Brock, Independence, Missouri, USA

Teach us, we pray,
Peace-Speaking God,
the language of Shalom.
We have not yet learned
your ancient, unfamiliar tongue.
Our accent is that of the foreigner.
Our gestures are awkward.
Tongues tangle, throats hurt,
and mouths tire of trying
to shape so many new sounds.

But we are willing to start
at the beginning; Learners
asking for help; practicing again
and again, and once again
until we hear your inflection
in our own voice, catch
your nuance in new words
from patient teachers of peace.

One day, slowly, haltingly
may we hear in our own voice
the faint hint of music,
the rhythmic beauty
of the language of peace.
May our words be accompanied
by gesture of  hands
and movement of feet.
Letter by syllable by word
may we speak the vision
of your new world into being.

Help us say, “forgive me, please,”
to our families. Teach us
to pronounce “healing”
in hospital rooms, to plead
“reconcile” in our places of work, 
to proclaim “justice” when we call
our government’s representatives.

Then, in the dark of our own
weary nights, Lord, will you
please whisper in us, “Shalom”?

God, Eternal Word of peace,
speak the language of Shalom through us,
stanza by stanza into the world*, we pray,
in Jesus Name. AMEN.  

Hymn
Gather Your Children - Sing for Peace #3

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.

Gracious and loving God, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving for your gift of creation, your redeeming love and your ever-present spirit that comforts and sustains us.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess our sins and seek your forgiveness.  Guide us in paths of righteousness and peace that we might grow closer to you and to one another.

The People Pray in Silence

O God, your people long for justice, freedom and peace.  Guide those in authority, in all nations and all institutions, to govern wisely for the benefit of all peoples.  With others around the world, we uphold our brothers and sisters in Cyprus this day.  Fill all leaders with compassion and a desire to find peaceful resolution to conflicts within and among all nations.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for church leaders around the world who often stand in the face of great difficulty to proclaim your message of hope and peace.  Guide and bless all who work to bring forth your kingdom of peace amidst cultural, political and personal uncertainties.

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, God of all creation, that your peace might become the peace of this world.  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 God’s spirit of love and compassion as we pursue justice and holistic peace for all persons, all nations and all creation.

Ministry of Music