Tonga

Daily Prayer
for Peace

Would you like to learn more about Tonga?
 Visit Lonely Planet.

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Welcome to this sacred place, and it is good to share with you in prayer and 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 remember the people of Papua New Guinea in our prayers.  Located in Southeastern Asia, Papua New Guinea is two territories administered by Australia that merged in 1949 and became independent in 1975.  A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997, after claiming some 20,000 lives.  Final terms for peace were negotiated in 2001.

We greet you in the name of God who ordained that all people should live together in peace and harmony.  Let us be thankful for our blessings and raise a triumphant song of joy to our God.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 37:11 IP

But the gentle will inherit the land, and will enjoy abundant peace.

Prayer for Peace

by Joseph Hammer, Santa Ana, California

Holy and merciful God, Creator of us all, the heavens declare your glory.  The whole earth proclaims your praise.

We pray for the oneness with you which brings peace, which is not the peace of this world, but the peace spoken of by the Lord Jesus when he said, "Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give unto you."

Help us to understand that peace cannot be achieved by changing outward conditions, but that your peace, . . . "which passeth all understanding," . . . comes not from without, but from within.

Almighty God, enable us as disciples of the Lord Jesus to become peacemakers that shall reach to the furthest corners of the earth and yet penetrate to the smallest crevice of the human heart.

Bless us with the abiding fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

May Christ dwell within us, and ever reign in our thoughts as the King of Love and the Prince of Peace.    Amen.

Hymn

My Life Flows On in Endless Song — Hymns of the Saints #157

Prayers of the People

We thank you, God, for your many blessings: for friends, family, and those who give particular meaning to our lives. We thank you for the blessing of peace within ourselves as well as without.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess to you our shortcomings. In your mercy, we ask forgiveness for our sins, and ask for your continued guidance to become your peacemakers.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the nation of Papua New Guinea, their leaders and their people.  May they know peace in these troubled times.  May all realize their worth as your children.

The People Pray in Silence

Let us pray now for the special concerns and needs of those who are gathered here this day. May God listen to our prayers.

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 prayers, O God, as we offer ourselves to be instruments of your peace.  Amen.

Sending Forth

We will 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.

Now let us leave as we have worshipped, full of joy and peace. Grant us, Great God, the blessing to negate all forms of intolerance and discrimination because of religion or belief. Go in peace and become peacemakers.

Ministry of Music