Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Nigeria
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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It is good to be with you today
in this sacred place, and we greet you in the name of God who calls us
to worship. Each day in this sacred place, we pray to God for peace in
our world. In addition, each day we pray for a different country.
Today we will hold up the people of Nigeria in our prayers. Nigeria is
located in West Africa and is one-third larger than Texas and the most
populous country in Africa. It is situated on the Gulf of Guinea. The
official language is English, but there are over 200 others spoken.
Corruption and governmental inefficiency as well as a harshly repressive
military regime reigned over this oil-rich country. A United Nations
fact-finding mission in 1996 reported that Nigeria's “problems of human
rights are terrible and the political problems are terrifying.” During
the 1970s, Nigeria had the 33rd highest per-capita income in the world,
but by 1997 it had dropped to the 13th poorest.
Now let us especially remember our Creator who provided the goodness in
our lives. I call your attention to the lighted peace candle . . . as a
symbol of our expectation of peace. May the light sent from God shine in
the darkness to show us the way to peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-2, 4, 10-11 IV |
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God is our refuge and strength, a present
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. There shall be a river, the
streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the
tabernacle of the Most High. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts shall be with us, the God of
Jacob our refuge. |
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Prayer for Peace by Sunday Charlie Akpan |
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Lord, our God,
We, at this moment, pray for the peace thy Son, Jesus Christ left with
us. People who choose darkness and hate light, destabilize the peace
graciously given. We pray that you might send thy spirit to speak peace
to them that they may enter into covenant with you to restore peace
which is much needed in Nigeria and the world over.
We ask this in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ. Amen. |
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Hymn - As With Gladness Men of Old -
Hymns of the Saints #254 |
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Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the Prayers of the People. During the
moments of silence, you are invited to pray silently or meditate. |
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God of all peoples, nations, and tongues we praise you
for your creation. We thank you for your desire that all persons should
live peaceably, one with another. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our sins and ask forgiveness when we have not been at peace
within ourselves or with one another. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We ask your guidance for the nation, and the people, of Nigeria. They
are a people who cry out for a future of peace. Be with the leaders
there that they may consider the good of the people in all they do. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray now for the personal concerns of people gathered here, family,
friends, and self. There are also concerns about our city and nation.
Hear our petitions we ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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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.
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| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray in the name of Jesus, and offer ourselves as instruments of your
peace in our world. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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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.
May the Peace of Christ Jesus go with you as you take His peace out from
this place. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
