Egypt

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, whose peace we celebrate, I welcome all who are gathered here and all who join us around the world in praying for peace and are represented by the empty seats among us.
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 Egypt in our prayers.  Egypt is a country located mainly in Africa with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge to Southwest Asia.  It is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East, and a major power in the Africa, Middle East and Muslim world.  A rapidly growing population and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. 

Egypt maintains low unemployment, rising literacy rates and increasing privatization of the economy.  In early 2011, Egypt underwent a revolution resulting in the ousting of President Mubarak after nearly 30 years in power.  Current protests over military rule are leading to widespread violence. 

May God’s spirit of love and peace guide our thoughts as we unite in worship and prayer, and as we seek just and peaceful communities for the people of Egypt and all nations. 

Scripture Reading
—Romans 15:13 INT

May the God of hope fill you with such peace and joy in your faith, that you may be filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer for Peace
— Helen Billings, Lamoni, Iowa,USA     

Loving and Present God,
The peace that Christ gives is the peace that you have called us together in one body.
We affirm that we hold this peace in our hands to enfold it and treasure it but, also, in expectancy, to share it.

Help us to use the spiritual disciplines we have been gifted with through your loving grace to put this peace into others' hands and lives.

This is the peace born out of righteousness for we know peace is not possible until people's hearts - our hearts - and the direction of our wills are changed.

Grant that the promised day may soon come when the peoples of the earth can live in true peace with one another.  Amen.

Hymn
Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands - By Request #15

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 that is, all that ever was, and all that shall come to be: We praise you and give thanks for your grace and goodness, for your tender love and mercy, and for your comforting and present spirit.

The People Pray in Silence

Forgive us when we have turned away from your grace and mercy and have engaged in thoughts and actions that did not promote peace.  Guide us as we strive to be instruments of your justice and peace that is for all persons and all creation.

The People Pray in Silence

We rejoice when one step is made toward peace within and among nations but know the journey is long and the steps are many.  On this day, we uphold for your blessing of peace the nation and people of Egypt.  Guide their leaders in promoting just and peaceful resolutions to the conflicts that challenge their nation and people.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the concerns and needs of those gathered here this day.  Comfort us with your presence of peace, and strengthen us to be a blessing of peace in the lives of others.

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 to know and to share.  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 the God who is peace, the God who is hope, and the God who is concerned with all creation, guide and bless us as we go forth to serve the Divine purpose created within us.  Amen.

Ministry of Music