Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Democratic
Republic
of the Congo
Would you like to learn more about
Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Good afternoon, and welcome to
this time and place of sanctuary and peace. 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 the Democratic Republic of the
Congo in our prayers. Located in Central Africa, the self-sufficient
Belgian Congo became independent in 1960 and in 1971 changed its name to
Zaire. Now officially named the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the
country imports a quarter of its food, and more than 200 ethnic groups
endure one of the world's lowest living standards. War, government
corruption, neglected public services, and depressed copper and coffee
markets are contributing factors. The country has been torn by ethnic
strife and civil war since 1994. What became known as "Africa's world
war" began in 1998 as Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, and Chad sent troops to
support rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The war
claimed some three million lives, with all sides plundering the
country's natural resources—especially diamonds from south-central
Congo. A United Nation supported peace agreement and the formation of a
transitional government in 2003 seemed to signal an end to the five-year
conflict. The government works to unify the country.
In 2001, the General Assembly declared November 6 of each year as the
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in
War and Armed Conflict. In taking this action, it considered that damage
to the environment in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and
natural resources long after the period of conflict, often extending
beyond
the limits of national territories and the present generation.
May the lighted candle represent our oneness in spirit as we present
ourselves to God this day as workers in the cause of Peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: James 3:17 NRSV |
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But the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. |
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Prayer for Peace by Kelly Garrett-Heaviland,
Independence, Missouri |
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Our Gracious Creator,
We come to pray in thanksgiving and praise for all of the goodness you
bring into our lives. We thank you for your plan of salvation, and the
gift of your son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
We live in your creation, but we are imperfect. Your guiding spirit
urges us to grow in our skills of peacemaking and justice. We want to
reflect the light and love of your Son, but this task seems so difficult
to implement. Help us to discern our personal and corporate
responsibilities in sparking peace and justice for your creation
everyday as we live in our communities.
This day, we have concerns about our world. We groan for peace as the
noise of the world is so overwhelming and all consuming. Be with us, and
help us to hear your voice above the distractions.
Heavenly Parent, as we strive to be peaceful, empower our spirits to be
peaceful and seek justice for each person. Assist us to see every person
we meet as a whole living creature worthy of your love, peace and hope.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen |
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Hymn - God! When Human Bonds Are Broken -
Sing for Peace #18 |
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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 Persons, we praise you and come to worship
you and give thanks for our bountiful blessings. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our shortcomings and ask your forgiveness for those times we
have not been the persons you created us to be. Guide us in your ways of
peace, we pray. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We remember the lonely, the oppressed, the victims of greed, and those
who live without the necessities of life. We also remember those who
have been victims of discrimination for whatever reason. Help us to be
aware of times we can share our bounty, whether it is a kind word or
material wealth. Please show us the ways in which we may reach out to
those around us and pull them into the light of your love. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We remember today our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. Truly this is a place that needs the light of your love. Help
them to heal the bitter wounds that divide them and show them the way to
live in peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We hold up before you the concerns of people gathered here this day.
Hear our prayer, O God, as today we offer ourselves to be instruments of
your peace in our families, our city, our nation, and our world. |
| 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 Peace, we pray. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We will 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.
As we have been called by the Spirit of God, and endowed by the power of
God, let us go from this place to be makers of peace. |
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| Ministry of Music |
