Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Finland
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Good afternoon. Welcome to this sacred place, and thank
you for joining 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 remember the people of Finland in our prayers. Located in
far-northern Europe, forests cover two-thirds of Finland and the arctic
zone one-third, including the largest unspoiled wilderness in Europe.
Despite a short growing season, Finland is self-sufficient in meat,
grains, and dairy products. For years, the wood and paper industry
dominated Finland's exports; but now the metal/engineering/electronic
aspects of industry have surpassed forest products. Recently, as a
member of the European Union, Finland was the only Nordic state to join
the Euro system at its initiation in January 1999. In February 2000,
Finns elected their first female president.
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: Psalm 146:1-6 IP |
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Adonai, you keep faith forever: you secure
justice for the oppressed,
you give food to the hungry, you set captives free, you give sight to
the blind,
you raise up those who were bowed down, you love those who do justice,
you protect strangers, you sustain orphans and the bereaved—
but you thwart the way of the corrupt.
Our God will reign forever—your God, Zion!—through all generations.
Alleluia! |
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Prayer for Peace by Iola Fisher McNutt,
Memphis, Tennessee |
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Gracious God, the Eternal Father, Creator of all, grant
us the knowledge to realize peace is not dropped into our hearts from
the wings of a dove; cannot be bought or willed; cannot be legislated,
mandated or negotiated—
Peace does not come with a degree; it is not awarded to the most
accomplished or the most beautiful, the swiftest, or the most brilliant—
Peace does not necessarily follow in the wake of a storm, nor when guns
and bombs are silenced -for peace will abide in us only when we are at
one with our creator.
When we have achieved that peace, let us not be deceived, for it is not
ours forever—
it must be won anew upon the dawning of each day.
Guide us in this task, we humbly pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Now In This Moment - Hymns of the
Saints #58 |
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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 blessings this day and pray
that we might learn to recognize your works of peace as they continue
around us through the day. |
| 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. Also,
we pray for all who are in danger, who sorrow, are sick or friendless.
Be near to them we ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for this community, the nations, and the world and especially
for the people of the nation of Finland. Grant them the peace that only
you may bring. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for all people in their daily life and work: for our families,
friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. 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. |
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| Ministry of Music |
