Saudi Arabia

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 remember the people of Saudi Arabia in our prayers.  Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East.  Below the arid desert landscape, oil has made this desert kingdom one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Saudi Arabia holds 25% of the world’s proven reserve of oil.  A growing population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all major governmental concerns.

United in a common desire for peace, we join with the people of Saudi Arabia, and all nations, in pursuing just and lasting peace for all creation.

Scripture Reading
—Mark 1:9-11

…Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.  And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Prayer for Peace
— Benjamin Colombani, French Polynesia

O God of Love, God of Peace,
Thank you for the Love you grant us.
Thank you for the Peace within us.
Make us your messengers of Love!
Make us your instruments of Peace!
Make us agents of Peace!
May your Peace be alive through our words,
May your Peace be felt through our actions,
May your Peace transform each person.
Lord of Peace, fill our beings,
Prince of peace, illuminate our ways,
God of Peace, bless us!
Such is our prayer in the name of Jesus-Christ, the Savior of the world.
Amen

Hymn
Heal Me, Hands of Jesus - Sing for Peace # 33

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.

Loving God, our Creator, Redeemer and Friend, we give thanks and praise, for you are our refuge in times of trial and our joy in times of celebration. 

The People Pray in Silence

We confess our brokenness when we have failed to sense your presence and when we think only of ourselves and forget the needs of others.  Forgive us, heal us, and lead us in your paths of peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing the people and nation of Saudi Arabia.  May the leaders of all nations strive for justice and peace within and beyond their borders.  May all people find equitable means for supporting themselves and their families.

The People Pray in Silence

Help us recognize the abundance of your love and grace, and guide us in sharing generously with others for the sake of all.

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

O God of Peace, may your truth radiate from this place as we seek to be your instruments of peace in 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.

Let us go from this time of worship with a sense of renewal in God’s spirit of peace as we engage in the compassionate ministry of Christ.

Ministry of Music