Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Ghana
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome to this time of
worship, and thank you for sharing your time with us in prayer. 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 Ghana in our prayers. The Republic
of Ghana is located in Western Africa. It was known as the Gold Coast
from 1874-1957, and was the first British African colony to gain
independence. If an award were given for the country with the
friendliest people in West Africa, Ghana would be a strong contender.
Spend a few hours in the breezy capital at Accra, and you'll swear the
wind and waves off the Gulf of Guinea have infused the land and people
alike with equatorial warmth.
From different places and with different needs we have come to this
place. Yet, as we sit in the presence of God's spirit, we become one.
Welcome to this time of prayer for peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:6-8 NIV |
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How beautiful on the mountains are the feet
of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who
say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” |
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Prayer for Peace by Bruce Lindgren, Blue
Springs, Missouri |
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Our loving God, we pause at this quiet time to offer a
prayer for peace. During this advent season, we are particularly
grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He
came into a world of conflict, hatred, and distrust to sow seeds of
peace and justice. Through him, your gospel of peace and redemption
became flesh, lived out in the life of one who was like us, yet also
divine.
We are aware of injustice and oppression in our world, leading to a lack
of peace, a hungering and thirsting for peace. We ask for your loving
presence to redeem moments of violence, oppression, and injustice. May
we find the seeds of peace that you have placed into our most difficult
moments and situations.
We are also aware that we are often not at peace within ourselves. May
our lives be directed more fully toward you. May we be guided by your
Spirit, and may we be at peace as we move through a world that seems to
be in so much need.
We ask your blessing on all the peoples of the earth today. May we all
be agents and recipients of your peace. This is our prayer, O God, in
Jesus' name we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Go, Tell It on the Mountain -
Hymns of the Saints #249 |
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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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We give thanks to you, Lord God, and praise your mighty
works of peace. We thank you for our many peacemakers in our world,
wherever they may be, and pray that your Holy Spirit will be with each
one as they seek to know and do your will. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess to you our shortcomings. In your compassion forgive us our
sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone. We pray for the
special needs of those here gathered. Guide us, we humbly ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression, as
well as those who are in danger, who sorrow, are sick or friendless. Be
near to them we ask, and help us to remember that you have provided
enough for all. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for this community, the nations, and the world, but especially
for the people of the nation of Ghana. We know that peace is more than
just the absence of conflict. Be with the people of Ghana and grant them
the peace that only you may bring. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for peace and unity among the leaders of religions and nations,
and for all who work for justice, freedom, and peace. |
| 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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In the name of the Prince of Peace, we pray. 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.
As your hearts have been touched by the gentle spirit of peace, go, and
carry that touch to others. The God of Peace will be your guide. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
