Estonia

Daily Prayer
for Peace

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Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Welcome today to this sacred place, and thank you for joining us in worship.  Each day in this Temple, dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray to God for peace in our world.  In addition, each day we pray for a different country.

Today we will lift up the people of Estonia in our prayers.   Located in Eastern Europe, Estonia was the smallest in population of the former Soviet republics.  It was the first to push for autonomy and gained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Estonia joined both the European Union and NATO in 1994.  Oil shale accounts for 90 percent of Estonia's domestic fuel, but environmental concerns have prompted the country to explore sources of electric power that are less damaging to the environment.

We have lighted this candle as a symbol of our commitment to a just and peaceful world. May the peace of God who has called us here guide our worship.

Scripture Reading

I Corinthians 12:12-14, 26-27 INT

The body is one, even though it has many parts; all the parts—many though they are—comprise a single body.  And so it is with Christ.  It was by one Spirit that all of us, whether we are Jews or Greeks, slaves or citizens, were baptized into one body.  All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit.  And that Body is not one part; it is many.  If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members share its joy.  You, then, are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.

Prayer for Peace

by Helen Billings, Lamoni, Iowa

Our God,

In deep humility and thankfulness, we come to acknowledge your love and many blessings, and to express our joy in your presence that brings peace to our lives.

Forgive us for being self-satisfied and unconcerned in the pain, struggle and hope present in our world today.  In the busyness of our daily living, we often neglect to feed ourselves spiritually that we might be empowered for what you would have us do.

May we respond as a people of faith to renewed determination and commitment in the struggle to attain peace, to experience a wholeness of love, unity and harmony with ourselves, with other persons, with our environment and with you, our God.

May peace flourish as we join with brave, courageous, faithful people in many other nations to live lives in mutual love and good will toward all people, bringing reconciliation and healing to the many in need.

Grant us the joy of helping to create an enduring peace under the daily guidance of your love and grace.  Amen.

Hymn

– Let Your Heart Be Broken — Hymns of the Saints #377

Prayers of the People

We praise you, God of all nations, for your mercy is vast and your greatness is beyond our comprehension. We thank you for all of your plans for our welfare, and every good thing you have shared with us.

The People Pray in Silence

In peace we pray to you, Lord God, and dare to ask your blessing for all people in their daily life and work; for our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. We especially remember the people of Estonia. Be with the peacemakers and give them guidance and courage to bring peace to their people.

The People Pray in Silence

We remember, and ask your guidance for all who sorrow, fear, or have special needs. May we follow your example and minister in your stead.  Grant your wisdom as we labor for peace, and may success be realized.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess our shortcomings. Forgive us, we pray, and may we go from here strengthened in body and mind for the task before us to be your peacemakers in our world.

The People Pray in Silence

We remember the concerns and needs of those gathered here. Hear us, 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

Lord, hear our prayers, and send your Holy Spirit to be with us as we seek to know and do your will.  In the name of Jesus’ our Savior we pray. Amen.

Sending Forth

We conclude our service today with ministry of music.  We invite you to remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for as long as you may wish.

Go now in the full knowledge of the gift of the Son of God and teach His peace.

Ministry of Music