New Zealand

Daily Prayer
for Peace

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Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Welcome today to this time of prayer, 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 let us remember the people of New Zealand in our prayers.  Islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, the British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the United Kingdom militarily in both World Wars.  New Zealand withdrew from a number of defense alliances during the 1970s and 1980s.  Internationally, New Zealand was hailed during the mid-1980s for its anti-nuclear stance.  Community of Christ has been established in New Zealand since 1974.

In a resolution on  December 17, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers    Responsible for Youth August 12 be declared International Youth Day. The  aim of International Youth Day is to endorse consciousness of world starvation, poverty, education, employment, health, drug exploration, recreation events, and environment particularly among youth. The theme for 2010 is: SUSTAINABILITY: OUR CHALLENGE. OUR FUTURE.
We greet you in the name of God who calls us to peaceful living.

Scripture Reading

Luke 18:1-8 INT

Jesus told the disciples a parable on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart:  “Once there was a judge in a certain city who feared no one—not even God.  A woman in that city who had been widowed kept coming to the judge and saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’  For at time the judge refused, but finally the judge thought, ‘I care little for God or people, but this woman won’t leave me alone.  I’d better give her the protection she seeks, or she’ll keep coming and wear me out!”

Jesus said, “Listen to what this corrupt judge is saying.  Won’t God then do justice to the chosen who call out day and night?  Will God delay long over them?  I tell you, God will give them swift justice.

Prayer for Peace

by Lu Mountenay, Independence, Missouri

Creating Spirit,                                                                                

We come before you today on behalf of the children of our families, the children of our communities and the children of our global village. We believe that our intercessory prayers are part of your plan for the human and divine relationship. We believe that they lay before us the needs of which you are aware, but call for us to recognize as well, needing your divine participation.

You know each of your children by name. You know each of their needs by the urgency of their situation. Some, as a community of faith, are known to us and we would take action to satisfy those needs as we can. Some, we need your Spirit to direct us and inspire us to take action.

God, we pray for justice in the child’s world – the fair distribution of food and health care; equal opportunities in education; hope for the future of the planet; and peace. These issues are our responsibility to address today, so the innocent children won’t be devastated tomorrow. You have given to us insight regarding the pursuit of peace, reconciliation and healing of the spirit. If we fulfill this vision, we can hold the faces of our children gently in our hands, look them lovingly in the eye and say “we do our best.”

We pray for them the knowledge that they are loved by you as demonstrated by our witness of Christ’s love. Amen 

Hymn

Rise Up, O Saints of God — Hymns of the Saints #378

Prayers of the People

Giver and sustainer of life, we bow in this sacred space to pray for the people of New Zealand. Thank you for their lives and for our lives that become intertwined in this moment of prayer.  Thank you for the contributions they make to our world, and for the opportunities that lead them to you and to peace.

The People Pray in Silence

Creator of all that is or has ever been, we praise you.  We thank you for all the blessings of this life; for family, friends, and those who work for peace and justice tirelessly.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess our shortcomings before you, even our sins that prevent us from being the persons you created us to be.  Forgive us, we humbly pray, and guide us into paths of true servanthood. Help us to become the peacemakers we yearn to be.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for families who strive to create havens of love and nurture but are often tormented by strains and pressures from within and without.  Where human frailty or condition shatters family bonds, inspire us to create families of choice who offer sanctuary to every child of God. 

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for all children, especially those whose childhoods are threatened by servitude and starvation, inadequate schooling and health care, warfare and want.  May we grow in understanding until we recognize each child as our own child.

The People Pray in Silence

As this community seeks to walk with Jesus, may they hear the call to be active disciples in community building.  May our desires be a reflection of your plan for all creation, as we ask your blessing on our needs and concerns this day.

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

Hear our prayer, O God, as we offer ourselves to be instruments of your peace.  Amen.

Sending Forth

We conclude our service today with Ministry of Music.  We invite you to remain in the quiet of this place and pray or meditate for as long as you may wish.
                   
As we go back into the world from this time of prayer, let us take God’s peace and healing touch with us. Amen

Ministry of Music