Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Angola
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of the
God who calls us to peace. Welcome today 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 Angola in our prayers. Located in
southern Africa, civil war has been the norm in Angola since
independence from Portugal in 1975. But Angolans finally have some
reason for hope - after more than 20 years of civil war that decimated
the country, the government and UNITA rebels signed a cease-fire and
peace agreement in early April 2002. The end of hostilities is just the
first step in Angola's journey toward peace. War leaves scars: millions
of displaced, homeless, maimed, orphaned, starving and diseased
Angolans. This means no infrastructure, poor roads, crime, graft, up to
11 million landmines - and a glimmer of hope. Both sides have also
promised to re-implement the 1994 Lusaka peace accord that had been
abandoned since 1998. Angola is one of the world's poorest countries,
with life expectancy (40 years) among the lowest in Africa.
Today is also the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the Feast of the Weeks,
which is a celebration of the harvest season. The farmers of Israel
would bring the first fruits of their harvest to Jerusalem as a token of
thanksgiving. Shavuot also commemorates the anniversary of the giving of
the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Through
the centuries, the Jewish people have celebrated this important event.
It was at Mount Sinai that this band of worn and weary travelers would
become the nation known as Israel.
Let us unite as one in supplication to our God and Savior as we pray for
peace on this day set aside by the United Nations as World Food Day. Be
with the hungry of the world, we pray, and also with those working for
justice in our world. |
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| Scripture Reading: Romans 15:5-7 & 13 INT |
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May God, the source of all strength and
encouragement, enable you to live in perfect harmony with one another
according to the Spirit of Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and one
voice, you may praise the God of our Savior Jesus Christ. Accept one
another as Christ accepted us, for the glory of God. May the God of hope
fill you with such peace and joy in your faith, that you may be filled
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. |
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Prayer for Peace by Sherry Southland |
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Precious Creator, empower us to reach out and help
others we may not know to help them lead productive lives. Help us build
schools to educate children and adults so they may help themselves to
lead happier and healthier lives.
May we be instruments of Your peace to those who are refugees in
war-torn places by bringing medicine, clothing, shelter, and food. May
we help to build homes for those
who are on the streets and need somewhere to live. To those who struggle
for their very
existence, may we comfort and affirm them by showing them how to raise
livestock and plant crops, so they can continue to live. May we respond
to their needs by teaching good nutrition and sanitation so that health
issues are addressed.
Bring us together as we learn about each other. Let us celebrate our
diversity as we transform our world together.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - I Am Standing Waiting - Sing for
Peace #27 |
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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 lives and work, for our families, our friends, 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 Angola. Please be with those who work
for justice, freedom, and peace in their country. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We also pray for the just and proper use of your creation. We pray for
the victims of hunger on this day designated as World Food Day. Teach us
that there is plenty for all and to share. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the peace and unity of the church, for all who proclaim the
gospel, and all who seek the truth. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess to you our shortcomings; in your compassion forgive us our
sins. We pray for a blessing on the special needs and concerns of those
gathered here. |
| 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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Hear our collective prayers, O God. May we be at peace. 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.
We have spoken of and prayed for peace this day. Now, go in peace and
share the peace of Jesus Christ in your world. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
