Kiribati

Daily Prayer
for Peace

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Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Good afternoon. It is so good to welcome you to this time of worship, and we greet you in the name of the Prince of Peace.  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 remember the people of Kiribati in our prayers.  Kiribati is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean.  The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the United Kingdom in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati.  In addition to fishing and copra, the country relies on foreign financial aid, particularly from the United Kingdom and Japan.  As its phosphate reserves diminish, the island has been forced to rely on a reserve trust.  Income from citizens now working abroad augments the economy.  Kiribati is one of a number of Pacific island-nations whose very existence is threatened by climate change and the resultant rise in sea levels.  “The clan” remains to be the basic building block of society.

As we gaze upon our lighted candle for peace, let us worship the giver of light and peace.

Scripture Reading

Zechariah 8:16 NRSV

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render  in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.

Prayer for Peace

by Dolores McCormack, Thornhill, Ontario

Dear God,

You are God of the universe, the universal God, creator of all persons in all nations, with each one as diverse as the countries and continents from which they come.  All have been touched with the beauty of your loving hand.

Because of your presence in the life of Jesus Christ, we are able to comprehend better your great love for all people.

Because of Christ's compassion and heartache in the experience of injustice, we know something of the anguish you must feel when wars and destructive causes bring suffering to your children.

We pray for the leaders and promoters of peace.  May the stalwarts of every nation be strengthened in their resolve to fight injustice with love. May multitudes rise to support the process of peace.

Help us to uphold in our prayers the victims of violence as well as the champions of peace.

Help us to be aware that in our homes, in our communities, and in all of our relationships, peace must begin with us.  May we be strengthened with Christ-like personalities that will enable us to love, to understand others, to be able to see another's point of view and accept their right to think differently.

Help all people to be the leaven of peace in their own sphere of influence.  May we respond to your love.

In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Hymn

Oh, for a Faith that Will Not Shrink — Hymns of the Saints #159

Prayers of the People

We thank you, God, for all the blessings of this life.  We thank you for friends, family, and those who give particular meaning to our lives.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess to you our shortcomings.  In your compassion forgive our sins.  Let us pray now for the special concerns and needs of those gathered here this day.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the nations of the world, and in particular on this day for Kiribati.  May they be able to remember that God loves all the children in the world, and find peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the just and equitable use of the resources of your earth.  May all humanity exercise wise stewardship over everything in its care.

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

May we seek peace with justice and joyfully celebrate the present day, and we pray these things in the name of the Prince of Peace.  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.

Ministry of Music