Libya

Invitation

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ and welcome you to this time of worship and prayer.

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 uphold the people of Libya in our prayers.  Located in North Africa, Libya has large oil reserves and ranks high in the world’s petroleum production.  Human rights violations have been a major concern and source of much violence and rebellion.  As a result of revolution in 2011, Libya’s leader of 40 years was ousted and eventually killed by rebels which has set in motion the tenuous process of establishing a new government. 

As we unite in prayer, we join with brothers and sisters around the world in seeking just and peaceful communities for the people of Libya and all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Psalm 37:11 IV

The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Prayer for Peace
— Mother Theresa and St. Francis of Assisi

Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow human family members throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger.

Give them through our hands, this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love give peace and joy.

Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace, that where there is hatred I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than to be comforted; to understand than to be understood; to love than to be loved; for it is by forgetting self that one finds; it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.

Hymn
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace - Sing a New Song# 34

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, our Creator, Redeemer and Friend, we come before you with thanksgiving and offer our praise for your generosity, mercy and love that is so freely expressed throughout all creation.

The People Pray in Silence

We give thanks for your loving presence in the joyful as well as in the troubled times of our lives. We confess our shortcomings and humbly seek your forgiveness.  Guide us as we strive to live according to your will.

The People Pray in Silence

We seek your blessing of peace for the people of Libya and all nations.  As the people work to form a new government, guide and bless all who strive to bring justice, peace and hope for the nation’s future.

The People Pray in Silence

We hear you calling, O God, to continue to engage in spiritual transformation as we work to build your peaceable kingdom here on earth.  May we be open to your guiding spirit as we join our hearts and minds to seek your will and direction.

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

We pray in the name of Christ, whose peace we seek for all creation, 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.

May we go forth as instruments of Christ’s love and peace, and find blessing through service for others and for our world.

Ministry of Music