Daily Prayer for Peace  | |
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Daily Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Togo
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Lonely
Planet.
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We welcome you to this time of worship, and
thank you for joining us. 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 Togo in our prayers. Located in
western Africa, French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Military rule
finally yielded to some democratic reforms amid civil unrest in the
1990s. However, violence continues to mar Togo politics, including the
country's first multiparty legislative elections, held in 1994. In
addition, Togo has come under fire from international organizations for
human rights abuses and is plagued by political unrest. While most
bilateral and multilateral aid to Togo remains frozen, the European
Union initiated a partial resumption of cooperation and development aid
to Togo in late 2004 based upon commitments by Togo to expand
opportunities for political opposition and liberalize portions of the
economy.
We greet you in the name of the One who calls us to peace. Let us unite
in our prayers for peace that we may be open to new paths we may pursue
for that peace. May God bless our worship as we honor our Creator. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26: 3 NASB adapted |
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The steadfast of mind You will keep in
perfect peace, because they trust in You. |
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Prayer for Peace by Donald Brown, Pueblo,
Colorado |
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Creator God,
It is good to gather here once again, to rest in this silent, sacred
place, and collect our thoughts, calm our minds. Gentle colors and light
surround us, sooth us into quietness and stillness. Even for those of us
who live far away from this place, we can journey here in our minds and
sense the pace and tranquility that abides in this sanctuary.
Meet us now, O God, in this place and time, and gently open our hearts.
Fill our hearts with both the pain of the "now" and the hope of the
"what yet can be." For if you are the God of love and compassion as
shown in the life of your Son, Jesus, then we know that the tears we
have shed have been your tears as well. We know that we have not
struggled alone, but that you have been with us, beside us, yearning and
longing for peace.
Creator God, cradle our wounded hearts in your hands and heal us,
restore us to wholeness, and rekindle the vision of peace in us once
again. Lift us to our feet and stir our hearts once more with the
promise of peace, the message of peace and love which gave to us in the
gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Place in us the longing for peace, and the courage to enter the struggle
again, to ache and dream and speak for peace. And we know that one day,
by your power and will, that the kingdoms of the earth will become the
Kingdom of your Son, and our Lord, Jesus, and that the peoples of the
world shall dwell together in love and unity.
To this end, God, we lift our prayer to you, and offer our love to you,
and to the world you have called us to minister to. In the name of your
Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Silent Night, Holy Night -
Hymns of the Saints #244 |
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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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In peace we pray to you, Lord God—for all people in
their daily life and work; for our families, friends, and neighbors, and
for those who are alone. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for this community, the nations, and the world. Today we
remember especially your people in Togo, and for those who work for
justice, freedom, and peace. Give them strength and courage that they
may continue their work in the face of adversity. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the just and proper use of your creation; for the victims of
hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression. We pray for all who are in
danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for those who minister to the
sick, the friendless, and the needy. We pray for the peace and unity of
all who proclaim the gospel, and all who seek the truth. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the special needs and concerns of those here gathered as we
confess our shortcomings. In your compassion forgive us, we humbly pray. |
| 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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Lord, hear our prayers, and send your Holy
Spirit to be with us as we seek to know and do your will. May we be at
peace, and in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We now conclude our service 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.
And now, Great God, bless us with peace as we depart from this place.
Guide us continually that we may act in peace with justice, goodness,
and mercy, for your honor and glory. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
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