Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Burundi
Would you like to learn
more about Burundi?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of our
Savior, Jesus Christ, and welcome to this time of 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 Burundi in our prayers. Located in
Central Africa, wide-spread, often intense ethnic violence between
factions in Burundi between 1993 and 2000 created hundreds of thousands
of refugees and left tens of thousands dead. An internationally brokered
power-sharing agreement in 2003 paved the way for a transition process
that led to an integrated defense force, established a new constitution
in October 2004, and elected a majority Hutu government in 2005. The new
government faces many challenges. Although the government is trying to
diversify the country's economy and modernize its budgetary practices,
Burundi's poverty and disorganization prove to be almost insurmountable
hurdles.
You have come here today expecting to be greeted by the Lord. Be assured
that you will not be disappointed. The Lord has promised that we will
not be turned away empty handed. |
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| Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-31 adapted |
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What is the great commandment in the law?
And Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and
first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor
as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the
prophets." |
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Prayer for Peace by Kathy McAdam, Burnaby,
British Columbia, Canada |
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Giver of Peace, I praise you for quiet breezes of spirit
and the warm sunshine of love. May your cool, refreshing rain bring
renewal to my soul.
In thanks I come to you, God. The blessings of my life come from the
bounty you have provided. It is when I recognize all that comes from
you, then I know I am truly loved by you, my God.
Giver of Peace, I need the loving, healing Spirit that fills my
emptiness. I struggle in my relationships with those who surround me,
neighbors, friends, loved ones. I need to find that peaceful Spirit that
will allow me to value others without judging them.
Guide me to an understanding of your peace and grace, great Giver of
Peace. Amen. |
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Hymn - My Faith Looks Up to Thee -
Hymns of the Saints #143 |
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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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Most of our blessings are like the stars in yonder sky.
During the day we are aware they exist but are invisible. We thank God
for these "showers of blessings." |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We rejoice in the steps being taken throughout the world to create a
peace that is stable and enduring. We especially pray for the people of
Burundi and their search for peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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The headlines of the morning newspapers bring disquieting news of
disturbances and unrest throughout the world. We pray for peace and
justice to grow in to replace the violence and pain. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Many of us are aware of heartaches and disturbing news in lives of our
family and neighbors. These same people are often the source of
unbelievable joy for us. We pray God's ministry in their lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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"As we love ourselves": so did our Lord teach us to love others. It is
important and urgent, rightful and necessary for us to pray for
ourselves. |
| 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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We give thanks to you, Sustainer of our lives, for the assurance that
comes from you, for the hope that grows fresh and green in our hearts,
for the faith that calls us into loving service. 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.
Now may the peace of God our Creator go with you as you leave to teach
peace in your world. Amen |
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| Ministry of Music |
