Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Niger
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Good afternoon, and welcome to
this sanctuary of 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 Niger in our prayers. Located in
western Africa, Niger held its first free and open election in 1993, 33
years after independence from France. Two-thirds of the country is
desert, and 90 percent of the population lives in the grain-producing
savanna along the southern border. Though recent years have been stable,
the threat of civil unrest is ongoing, and the economic situation is a
constant worry. Economic problems have been exacerbated by falling world
demand for uranium, the country's most valuable resource. At the mercy
of drought and desertification, Niger relies on foreign aid.
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: Isaiah 55:12 NRSV |
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For ye shall go out with joy, and be led
forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before
you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. |
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Prayer for Peace by Alex Kahtava,
Independence, Missouri |
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God, our constant Companion on the journey of life, we
come to this moment with our hearts, our minds filled with the sounds
and images of the many others that join us in this place. We see and
hear the children, the youth, the parents, the elderly from the many
places of this world, near and far, where peace is nothing more than a
word, barely understood and ever elusive.
We, like they, seek for meaning and purpose in the midst of a world
which appears to be wildly careening through time without any apparent
purpose. We, like they, dare to hope that in spite of deep divisions and
injustice, the people of this world can become united.
Though the images and sounds of the world on this day reflect a world
separated by race, creed, color, class, and political prejudice, still
as children of the one God we seek a peace that passes all
understanding. A peace that is found and experienced in your
grace-filled and loving presence.
In this place dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we lift our voice and
thereby join the worldwide chorus of peacemakers and peace seekers in
affirming our commitment to this worthy and noble cause. We are grateful
and thankful for your continuing presence and the spiritual empowerment
which is ours by way of that companionship in the midst of our
pilgrimage. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ who revealed in his
life both the cost and the joy of peace. Amen. |
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Hymn - Community of Joy, Proclaim the
Living Christ! - By Request #16 |
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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 your Holy Spirit will be with us as we seek to know and do your
will. |
| 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 the special needs of those gathered here. 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 today for the people of the nation of Niger. We know that peace
is more than just the absence of conflict. Be with the people of Niger
and 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 |
