Palestine

Invitation

In the name of Christ, I welcome all who are gathered here and all who join us around the world in praying for peace.

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 remember the people of Palestine in our prayers.  Palestine is the ancient name of a Middle Eastern country situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  Its size has varied greatly throughout its history and its exact borders are even now in dispute. With decades of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, there are efforts being made continuously to settle differences on both sides.

We seek for the people of Palestine, and all nations, God’s reconciling peace.  May this time of worship and prayer renew in each of us the call to be instruments of justice, reconciliation and holistic peace for all creation.

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
— Devin Nauman (adapted), Mound City, Missouri, USA

Our Lord and Our God,

Help us achieve peace throughout all creation.
Help us to see your way and let our actions reflect your will.
Turn our thoughts of greed, hatred and pride to those of selflessness, love and mercy.

Help us break free from the barriers and chains we have created that separate us from you and from one another. 

Let us look to you for guidance and help us achieve your vision of peace within and among all nations and all your children.

Amen.

Hymn
Peace among Earth’s Peoples - Sing for Peace #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.

We thank you, God, for the many gifts and blessings of all life you have created. May our lives be expressions of gratitude for your amazing love and your ever-present spirit which strengthens and guides.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess that we fall short of being the persons of light and love you created us to be.  Help us embrace the fullness of your grace and share generously your light and love with others.

The People Pray in Silence

We especially remember the Palestinian people this day.  Help all peoples find the peace they seek, and help us recognize we are all one family in your sight.  Guide world leaders to work together to find just and peaceful resolution to conflicts that divide your people, and help us tear down walls that keep us from you and from one another.

The People Pray in Silence

We seek your blessing of peace for all who are oppressed by poverty, disease, exploitation, and in anyway denied their full worth and dignity as your beloved and precious children.  Guide all who uphold the worth of all persons and promote justice, freedom and holistic peace for all inhabitants of the earth.

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 precious name of Jesus Christ.  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.

Go forth with God’s blessing of peace and share generously Christ’s message of peace for all the earth.

Ministry of Music