Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Switzerland |
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more about Switzerland?
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Thank you for joining us today in worship, and welcome to this
sacred place. 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 hold up the people of Switzerland in our prayers. Located
in central Europe, Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long
been honored by the major European powers. Independent since 1815,
Switzerland borders now encompass 26 cantons embracing three official
languages-German, French, and Italian. Switzerland's decision to apply
for membership in the European Union indicates its desire to compete in
global markets with exports that make up 44 percent of the nation's
economy. Elaborate civil defense measures and a strong militia back up
the Swiss policy of permanent neutrality. Although not a member of the
United Nations, Switzerland is firmly committed to world peace.
God of all peoples, all nations, and all religions, we praise you. Open
our hearts and minds to your will at this time of our worship, we humbly
ask. |
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| Scripture Reading: Luke 4:16-19 NIV |
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Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up,
and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom and
he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him.
Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the
Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the
poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery
of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year
of the Lord’s favor.” |
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Prayer for Peace by William Webb, Liberty,
Missouri |
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Gracious God and Prince of Peace,
We look to you now as we give you praise and honor and glory.
We ask for your help in our quest for peace. We are prone to
self-centered satisfaction. Help us to look beyond ourselves to find
those opportunities for service that will reflect your love and bring
your kingdom nearer.
Help each of us to find the path to peace. As we walk in the path of
peace, let the hope for peace burn brightly in each heart. Help us take
those steps toward peace that make your peace a reality in each one of
us.
O God, we now remember those in need. There are so many who are
spiritually separated from you. Help us find ways of filling this void
so those who need you so desperately will feel your nearness and
comfort. May they also find fulfillment in the hope of peace that comes
from your ways. May they find the means and the desire to change those
things in their lives that cause separation from you and from others.
There are also many in physical need. We also remember those and present
them for your blessing of healing and strength and wholeness. May your
will be done.
God of Peace, help each of us here today follow the example of your son
to bring needed ministry to those in need. Be with our families that
they may learn the ways of peace and cooperation are also the ways of
love. Help each of us find the fulfillment that comes to us as we live
out the ways of peace and apply the qualities of love, meekness, and
purity in all that we do.
Help us be the peacemakers that bring joy and happiness to our families
and our communities. Help us share your message of love and forgiveness
and peace with all the families of the world, that your will may prevail
and your kingdom may come.
We give you all honor and praise and glory.
We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. |
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Hymn - Beloved Community of God -
Hymns of the Saints #414 |
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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 that is, all that ever was, and all that shall come to
be, we praise you. We give thanks for this time of remembering your
goodness, your loving care, your guidance, and your plan for creation to
be at peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive us when we have not remembered and have been guilty of actions
and thoughts that did not promote peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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This day, O God, we remember the nation and the people of Switzerland.
Be with the peacemakers there, and may we all learn to live in harmony,
one with another. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Bless the tireless efforts of those people and organizations that work
to improve the lives of the people who suffer from injustice throughout
the world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We would also hold up before you the concerns and the needs of the
people gathered here this day. |
| 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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May your name be praised in all nations, O God of all peoples. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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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.
With God's blessing, go in peace, and strive always to erase all
injustice. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
