Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Mali
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to 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 hold up the people of Mali in our prayers. Located in
western Africa, Mali gained it’s independence from France in 1960. Rule
by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 with a transitional
government, and in 1992 when Mali's first democratic presidential
election was held. Unfortunately desertification, drought and famine
make Mali one of the five poorest countries in the world with a high
infant mortality rate, extensive malnutrition, low levels of literacy,
and a short life expectancy. Malians, by nature and circumstance, are a
stoic and enduring race with a passion for their homeland and
traditional way. Recent discoveries of deposits of gold may help the
country from its knees.
Let us unite as one in supplication to our God for guidance in
peacemaking. The God of peace will be with us. |
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| Scripture Reading: I Timothy 2:1-2 INT |
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First of all, I urge that prayers be
offered for everyone—petitions, intercessions and thanksgivings—and
especially for rulers and those in authority, so that we may be able to
live godly and reverent lives in peace and quiet. |
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Prayer for Peace by Betty Gurney, Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada |
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Great Creator, when we view the grandeur of this world
that you have created, we wonder at our arrogance and we pray that we
will humble ourselves and rejoice in your power.
This day, Lord, our praises rise like eagles and beyond our normal
mortal realm. The beauty, the bounty, the immensity of this world fills
us with awe. We pray that we will be fully aware of our stewardship over
all that has been created. We ask, Oh God, that with our abundance we
will be aware of all those who live in poverty in this land and all
other lands. Move us to share in whatever way we can.
Help those of us who have much, keep our wants under control so that
we might be generous in our giving.
Our thanks seem inadequate for so great a gift but we pray that our
love for you will overflow into action, action that will spread like
fire, action that will bring the hope of peace to many.
We pray, too, that your Holy Spirit will be recognized by those in
places of power, that they will be guided to work for peace in whatever
land they dwell. The people of the world need peace, they need rest,
they need comfort, they need their homes to be safe.
May the purpose to which this Temple was dedicated be enhanced by the
workings of your spirit, the devotion of those who work from here, and
the combined prayers and efforts of the people of the world. Our needs
are great Lord, but our trust is in your Word. Help the people of your
world achieve Peace. Amen. |
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Hymn - God of Creation - Hymns of
the Saints #395 |
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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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Great God, Creator of all that is or has ever been, we
praise you for knowing us, a small portion of your creation. We thank
you for all the blessings of this life: for family, friends, and those
who give particular meaning to our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our shortcomings before you, even our sins that prevent us
from being the persons you created us to be. Forgive us, we humbly pray,
and guide us into paths of truer servanthood. Help us to be the
peacemakers we yearn to be. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We lift up before you the country of Mali and its inhabitants. May they
know peace among themselves and with others, and may they be blessed
with their needs as they seek peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May our desires be a reflection of your plan for all creation as we ask
your blessing on our needs and concerns this day. |
| 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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Hear our prayer, O God, as we offer
ourselves to be instruments of your peace. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We 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.
Now as we leave this place, peace arises from the wellspring of hope and
we are empowered. Go in peace to serve the Lord. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
