Turkey

Invitation

Good afternoon.  In the name of Jesus Christ, I welcome you to this time of worship and prayer for peace.

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 Turkey in our prayers.  The Republic of Turkey’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia gives is significant regional influence.  The Turkish people have a reputation for hospitality, and the country boasts of wonderful cuisine, a beautiful coastline, and many cities dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. The Turkish government has recently imposed sanctions against neighboring countries in response to violence and human rights violations.
As we unite in worship and prayer, we seek the holistic peace of God’s shalom for the people of Turkey and all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Psalm 9:7-11 IP

But you, Adonai, reign forever
and have established your throne of judgment.
You will judge the world in justice
and govern the peoples with equity.
For you, Adonai, are a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your Name trust in you,
for you have never forsaken those who seek you, Adonai.

Sing praise to Our God enthroned in Zion,
declare God’s work among the nations!

Prayer for Peace
— Sheryl Holstein, Roswell, Georgia, USA

Dear God,

We confess to times of insensitivity, ignorance, judgment, indifference, hatred and greed.  Help us tear down the walls that separate us from each other.  Lord, let us see you in the faces of our brothers and sisters.  Let us hear the cries of the frightened.

Living on every continent are those who are oppressed, hungry, and heavy laden.  As we merge in your love, help us see through your eyes as we become a people of compassion.  Let us keep the Lamp of Life burning.  Free us from our own limitations that we might free others.  Renew in us your Spirit, that we might be faithful to each other in your love.

Together we can build your community, in our hearts, with our minds, words, and deeds.  May our hands join, our minds unite, and our hearts beat as one.

This is our prayer of peace.  We lay it at your feet that it may be acceptable and we all might be healed in your love.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Hymn
Let Your Heart Be Broken - Hymns of the Saints #377

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, we praise you for the beauty in the diversity of all creation, the gift of your amazing love and grace in our lives, and for your ever-present spirit which strengthens us and guides us in paths of righteousness and peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We lament the causes of injustice and seek enlightenment so we may understand better our part in peace for the world.  Forgive us when our actions, or our failure to act, propagate injustice toward any of your precious children.

The People Pray in Silence

O God, help those in authority, in all countries and all institutions, to govern wisely for the benefit of all.  With others across the world, we uphold the people of Turkey and seek for all persons your blessing of peace. 

The People Pray in Silence

O God, teach all persons that there is more to bind nations together than to drive them apart, and there is no place in your kingdom of peace for violence and intolerance.  Fill us with compassion and understanding we pray.

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 prayers, O God, and enlighten our minds as we strive to be people of your 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.

As we leave this time of worship, may our prayers for peace stir us to actions of compassionate service as we strive to carry out Christ’s mission of hope and peace for all creation.

Ministry of Music