Micronesia

Daily Prayer
for Peace

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 Federated States of Micronesia?
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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 prayer and find solace here.  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 Micronesia in our prayers.  An island group in the North Pacific Ocean, the Federated States of Micronesia, a United Nation’s Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution in 1979.  In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.  Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, over fishing, and over dependence on the United States’ aid.  Micronesian societies are made up of clan groupings, with descent traced through the mother.  The head clan on each island can trace its lineage back to the island's original settlers.  Clan groupings extend across islands, with extended families being the norm.  Most households include grandparents, cousins, and children as well as adopted members.

Blessed is the name of our God who is mindful of this people as we worship the Prince of Peace in faith and joy.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 4:3-8 IP

Know that those who love Our God have been set apart by divine will—
Our God will hear me when I call!
Tremble, and stop your sinning;
search your heart, alone and silent in your room.
Offer sacrifices of justice, and put your trust in Our God.

So many are asking, "Does good even exist anymore?"
Let the light of your face, Adonai, shine on us!
You put joy in my heart—
a joy greater than being full of bread and new wine.          

In peace I'll lie down, in peace I will sleep:  for you alone, Adonai, keep me perfectly safe.

Prayer for Peace

by Richard E. Kohlman, Fort Collins, Colorado

Creator, Sustainer, and Lover of Life,

What a beautiful world you have blessed humanity with.  What beauty we find in life created in your image.  We want to just sit here, in this place of peace, and feel your love. 

But we cannot sit.  For through the silence we seek comes the penetrating wails of anguish of a suffering world where there is but fragile peace at best and where people and their spirits and their hopes are dashed upon the rocks of prejudice, and greed, and power.

Into this world you call us with the clarion call of a trumpet, calling us to be a people of peace, reconcilers, and healers of the spirit.  Strengthen our faith, now, this day, and prepare us to witness of the wholeness of body, mind, and spirit which comes in the life and ministry of Jesus.  Make us your hands, flesh of your word, giving hope to your world with redeeming presence and activity.

May we not waver in the valley of death's shadows but trust always in the presence of your spirit which goes before us, even now.  In the name of Christ we pray . Amen.

Hymn

The Church’s One Foundation — Hymns of the Saints #294

Prayers of the People

We pray to you, Lord God, for all people in their daily life and work; for our families, friends, neighbors, and for those who are alone.

The People Pray in Silence

Today, we remember especially your people in Micronesia. Please be with them as they work to bring peace and justice to all of their people.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the just and proper use of your creation; for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression; for all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

The People Pray in Silence

For the special needs and concerns of those here gathered we ask your blessing. Be with 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

We confess to you our shortcomings; in your compassion forgive us our sins, and we ask these things through the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.   Amen.

Sending Forth

We conclude our service for 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.
             
May God’s grace and love go with you as you leave to go and teach peace. Amen

Ministry of Music