All Nations

Invitation

On this first day of the New Year, I welcome all who have gathered in this sacred place, and all who join us in prayer around the world and are represented by the empty seats among us.

Each day in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray for peace, reconciliation and healing of the spirit, and uphold the nations of the world.

Today we unite in praying for peace within and among All Nations.  At times we are overwhelmed by human conflict resulting in the violence of war, poverty and oppression.  In praying for peace, we hold the world and all persons in our hearts and strive to be instruments of God’s mercy, compassion and love in this world that God so dearly loves.  Through prayer, we open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to the connection we all share as children of God, and know we must respond with courage and compassion to the needs of others for the well-being of people in all nations.

As the joy of Christmas lingers and the New Year lies before us, let us reflect on the wonder of God in our midst, and recommit to bearing God’s promise of hope and love to a world longing for just and lasting peace.

Scripture Reading
—Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

…after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?  For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.  Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Prayer for Peace
— Everett S. Graffeo, Independence, Missouri, USA

Lord,
We pause for a quiet moment to remember.
We remember the others who impact our lives:
They pass in review and we ask hopefully,
"Forgive us for transgressions committed and for compassion withheld.
Hold us close as unique and worthful souls in your life.
Be there for us as we would be there for you.
May we be at Peace one with another."

Our eyes turn outward ---
We see God's world, now ours by gift.
We treasure your beauty and wonder at your mystery.
We turn with you in the unfolding of our mutual future.

Help us to live in harmony with your planet, Lord,
With sea and air, plant and animal,
With men and women, with family and neighbor,
With island and continent.

We are yours by natural birth.
We are called friends by second birth.

We have our hope in you.
Our faith is strengthened by you.

Our love is a reflection of you.
May the gift of your Son be appreciated more fully
Among all nations of the earth,
That your justice will reign and your peace abide,
For we pray it in His name.   Amen.

Hymn
Peace among Earth’s Peoples - SP #26

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 all nations, by whatever name you are known, we give thanks and praise for the beauty of all creation, your love for all persons which is beyond our ability to imagine, and your plan for all creation to be at peace.

The People Pray in Silence

As we reflect on the year that has passed, we seek your forgiveness for times when our actions, or our complacency, have in any way contributed to the suffering of others.  Guide us in paths of righteousness and peace, we humbly pray.

The People Pray in Silence

We rejoice when one step is made toward peace between nations but know the journey is long and the steps are many.  On this day, we seek your blessing of peace within and among all nations.  Help us partner with religious, political and community leaders in upholding policies and practices that promote justice for the people of all nations.

The People Pray in Silence

We recognize the need for peace in ourselves, our families, our nation, and our church.  Guide us as we strive to know and do your will.

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

This day, in response to your call, we offer ourselves as instruments of peace in all the 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.
As the magi brought gifts to the Christ child, let us go forth to share the gift of God’s love and peace in our world wherever there is need.

Ministry of Music