Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Cyprus
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Good afternoon, and welcome to
this time of prayer for peace in 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 remember the people of Cyprus in our prayers. Cyprus is an
island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus has always been an important trading
post between the empires of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East;
throughout history someone has always wanted to take it from someone
else. In 1925, Cyprus became a crown colony of the United Kingdom, but
the Cypriots by then were tired of being controlled by someone else and
began agitating for self-determination. This laid the foundations for
the continuing Greek/Turkish conflict; the Greek Cypriots wanted to
unify with Greece, while the Turks did not. In 1950 the British drafted
a constitution which was accepted by the Turkish population but opposed
by the Greek Cypriots. In 1960, Britain granted Cyprus its independence,
but the conflict continued. There have been attempts to make both sides
come together since 1974, but the conflict continues.
As we gaze upon our lighted candle, let us think upon other times and
places where God’s truth has burst forth as the way from darkness into
light. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 4:3-8 IP |
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Know that those who love Our God have been
set apart by divine will—
Our God will hear me when I call!
Tremble, and stop your sinning; search your heart, alone and silent in
your room.
Offer sacrifices of justice, and put your trust in Our God.
So many are asking, "Does good even exist anymore?"
Let the light of your face, Adonai, shine on us!
You put joy in my heart—a joy greater than being full of bread and new
wine.
In peace I'll lie down, in peace I will sleep: for you alone, Adonai,
keep me perfectly safe. |
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Prayer for Peace by Father Timothy Schoen,
Conception, Missouri |
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Almighty and eternal God,
creator of the universe,
author of the order which governs all the ages,
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
you have revealed to us
that those who work for peace
will truly be called your children.
You have given all peoples one common origin,
and your will is to gather them
as one family in yourself.
Fill the hearts of all men and women
with the fire of your love
and the desire to ensure justice
for all their brothers and sisters.
Help us to work without ceasing for that justice
which alone can bring true and lasting peace.
May those who are already at peace with one another
hold fast to the good will that unites them;
may those who are still enemies
forget their hatred and be healed.
Enable us all to receive with grateful hearts
that peace which the world cannot give
and which surpasses all human understanding.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. |
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Hymn - How Can Creation's Voice Be Still
- Hymns of the Saints #300 |
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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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When the Psalmist exclaimed about God, "Thou art greatly
to be praised" he was talking from experience. Out of our experience let
us share our feelings about God with God. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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New encounters with God bring fresh awareness of God's call to move into
new ways of living. Leaving is never easy, but especially difficult when
where we are has been beneficial. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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The people of Cyprus work and play, eat and sleep, dream of peace as
they long to be free from threats of violence. Watch over them, 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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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God, sometimes our human problems seem to create impossible barriers.
Our souls wilt, our spirits droop. Help us to be advocates for each
other. May the word of encouragement and the sustaining prayer be our
gifts to you today. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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Our service will conclude with ministry of music. You
are invited to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of this place for
as long as you may wish.
As you leave the sanctuary together, be very aware that Jesus will come
to walk with you. Go in hope and peace. |
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| Ministry of Music |
