Peace Order of Service 2010

 
International Day of Peace
Interfaith Prayer Service
Tuesday, 21st September, 2010, 11.00 am

 

View the PDF Version (recommended)

Greetings and Welcome:

Remembering the First People

Introduction:

Lighting of the Peace Candle:

The International Prayer for Peace:*

Lead us from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth;
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust;
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace;
Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

 

Prayer:

God of all creation,
we gather in awe before you,
impelled by our longing for peace and harmony

among all human beings.

Here we are –
children of many traditions,
inheritors of shared wisdom and tragic misunderstandings,

of great hopes and humble successes.

Here we meet –
in memory and truth,
in courage and mutual trust,
in love and promise.
In that which we share,
let us see the common prayer for peace;
in that in which we differ,
let us respect the difference;
in our unity and our differences,
let us know the uniqueness that is God.

May our courage match our convictions,

and our integrity match our hope.
may our faith in you bring us closer to each other.
May our prayers reach you,
and rain upon us as your peace.

 

May these words transform us
and all those whom our lives touch.
 

Song:   “Let there be peace on earth”

1.      Let there be peace on earth
         And let it begin with me;
         Let there be peace on earth,
         The peace that was meant to be.
         With God as our Creator
         We are one family
         Let us walk with each other
         In perfect harmony.
 
2.      Let peace begin with me,
         Let this be the moment now.
         With every step I take,
         Let this be my solemn vow:
         To take each moment and live each moment
         In peace eternally.
         Let there be peace on earth
         And let it begin with me.

 

Aboriginal Prayer:

Gracious, all knowing and all loving God, we honour Your name above all names. We thank You for giving the gift of this land to the Guringai Aboriginal People. We acknowledge, recognise and respect them, past, present and future. We thank them for caring, maintaining, sustaining and using this land as you intended it to be used, since time immemorial.

We thank them and all other Australians for keeping this area of our Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, a safe place for all of us who are here now, and those yet to come. We acknowledge with respect, all people from diverse cultural backgrounds present at this gathering of this Interfaith Gathering for International Peace Day 2010.      

God, please give us grace, courage and commitment to work together for the betterment of our future generations and all our good and proper cultural ways. God, You are the Good and Holy Spirit, guide us as we continue our journeys of reconciliation with each other and back to You.

May we all find the peace that passes all understanding. God, guide and protect us as we willingly share this peace with our brothers and sisters from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life and particularly those who are suffering from injustices all over the world. During our journey together doing Your will, may we see long life manifest at all times and in all places. May the message, prayers, songs of worship and praise from all our faiths groups, inspire us to sincerely embrace all as brothers and sisters, working together in our communities to bring back faith, hope, love, joy and peace to all our peoples. Amen.

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Baha’i Prayer:

O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! 

Though our bodies be gathered here together, yet our spellbound hearts are carried away by Thy love, and yet are we transported by the rays of Thy resplendent face.  Weak though we be, we await the revelations of Thy might and power.  Poor though we be, with neither goods nor means, still take we riches from the treasures of Thy Kingdom.  Drops though we be, still do we draw from out Thy ocean deeps.  Motes though we be, still do we gleam in the glory of Thy splendid Sun.  

O Thou our Provider!  Send down Thine aid, that each one gathered here may become a lighted candle, each one a centre of attraction, each one a summoner to Thy heavenly realms, till at last we make this nether world the mirror image of Thy Paradise.  

- Abdu'l-Baha

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Brahmakumari Prayer:

Peace is a power that unites us all.  The first lesson on the path to becoming a peacemaker is to stop making war with myself.  Only when the turbulence of my mind and heart has subsided can I make peace with the world.  In meditation I can retreat into the inner sanctuary of the soul and enjoy the tranquil flow of loving thoughts and feelings passing through my being.   When I have developed inner peace and quietness I can hear the voice of my own wisdom and know how and where to give energy for the greatest benefit. 

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Buddhist Prayer:

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa 
Buddham Saranam Gacchami. 
Dhammam Saranam Gacchami. 

Sangham Saranam Gacchami.

Homage to him, the Exalted One,
the Enlightend One,
the Supremely Awakened One.
I go to the Buddha for guidance.
I go to the Dharma for guidance. 
I go to the Sangha for guidance.

People of the world, parents and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and other family members and kinsmen, should respect and love each other, refraining from hatred and envy. They should share things with others, and not be greedy and miserly, always speak friendly words with a pleasing smile, and not hurt each other.

May all beings be happy and safe

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Catholic Prayer:

“We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will,
with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.
Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants,
and always do what pleases him.
Your lives will be fruitful in all kinds of good works, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.
May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious might, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience.”

                                               (Colossians 1:9b-11, The New Testament of the Bible)

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Hindu Prayer:

om saha n?vavatu
saha nau bhunaktu
saha v?ryam karav?vahai
tejasvin?vadh?tamastu m? vidvi??vahai
o? ??nti? ??nti? ??nti?

Om ! May He protect us both together; may He nourish us both together;
May we work conjointly with great energy,
May our study be vigorous and effective;
May we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any).
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me!

 

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Islamic Prayer:

Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem

(in the name of God who is merciful and beneficent)

Allahumma antassalam was minkassalam wa ilaikayarjessalam,

hayyena rabbana bissalme
wa'adkhilna darassalame tabarakta rabbana

wa ta'alaita ya zaljalal-i-walikram.

(Oh Allah! You are Peace personified;

You are the source of Peace for all other creatures;
Peace always turns towards thee.

Oh Creator and Sustainer! keep us alive with peace, and
let us enter the Home of Peace)

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
You will not enter Paradise until you believe,

And you will not believe until you love one another,

And you will not love one another until you promote peace among you.

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.        

Musical Item:

“King’s Fidlers” – Keith Sharp

                     Newington College Prep. School 

Jain Prayer:

Namo arihantaaNaM
Namo siddhaaNaM
Namo aireyaNaM
Namo uvajjhaayaaNaM

Namo loey savva saahuNaM

Eso pancha namoyarro
Savva paavapaNaasaNo
mangalaaNaM cha savvesim
paDhamaM havaee mangalaM

(I bow to the Arahants, the perfected human beings, Godmen. I bow to the Siddhas, liberated bodiless souls, God. I bow to the Acharyas, the masters and heads of congregations. I bow to the Upadhyayas, the spiritual teachers. I bow to the spiritual practitioners in the universe, Sadhus. This fivefold obeisance mantra destroys all sins and obstacles, and of all auspicious repetitions, is the first and foremost.)

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Jewish Prayer:

Bless us our father, all of us as one, with the light of your countenance.

You gave us, Lord our God, the Torah of life and loving kindness, righteousness, blessing, mercy, life and peace. Blessed are you Lord, who blesses us and all nations with peace.

May he who makes peace in high places,
make peace for us and for all nations and let us say, Amen

Oseh shalom bimromav Hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu

V'al kol Haamim V'imru, v'imru amen.

Let love and justice flow like a mighty stream.                                                                               Let peace fill the earth as the waters fill the sea and let us say: Amen

(Silent reflection) 

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Mandaean Prayer:

My Lord be praised!  
In the name of the Great First Sublime Living One (God)!
From far-off worlds of Light that are above all works (and every thing),
may there be healing, victory; strength and blessing;
soundness, speech and a hearing;
joy of heart and forgiving of sins for the people who love God, through the strength and emanation of the power of True Enlightenment.
Oh, God Hear me, my Father, hear me! Draw me upward.
Come, bless me, direct my speech and open my mouth in praise.
That I may praise the Great Living One wholly.
That I may walk on the Path of Enlightenment.
Oh, God, may your spirit and assistance be in the truthful people to promote the true peace, love and harmony among sons of Adam.

Amen.          (The Mandaean Holy Book of Adam)

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Sikh Prayer:

In Guru Granth Sahib,the Sikh scripture, the only one Divine Source, is addressed as Ram, Rahim, Bhagvan, Allah, Satnam (Truth), Waheguru (wonder). Thus all humanity is the progeny of one creator. Any name other religions give Him, are accepted & meditated on. If we understand this, there can be all Peace. Also Guru Granth contains the wisdom of Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Bodhi and other Saint's revelations. 
 
Says Bhagat Kabir ji in Guru Granth:-- (Awal Allah noor upaya---)
 
First Allah created light and all beings belong to His Nature.
When the whole world is the out come of one enlightened Supreme,
who can you call good and who bad? 
O people do not be in doubt that, Creator is immanent in all creation
and creation is the corporeal form of Creator. 
From the same clay the potter fashioned so many shapes & forms.
You cannot blame the pot or the potter for any shortcomings. 
Same Truth dwells in all, which achieves everything.
Who ever obeys the Truth realises him.
This realisation makes one human.

The lord is infinite, cannot be defined.
But my teacher blessed me with sweet awareness and dispelled all my doubts
says Kabir; as if I had the vision of the eternal invisible divine.

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Sufi Prayer:

Ho Val Allah Hol Ali

"Glorified be thy Lord, the Lord of Majesty, from that which they attribute (unto Him). And peace be unto those sent (to warn).  And praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!  Holy Quran, Chapter 37 verse 180 182.

Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him)has said " Each human being is like mine, gold, silver or Jewel; excavate the  goodness with in them, so that you may have peace. 

Islam which is derived from the root  Silm, means peace and tranquility. The words of the lord of believers and the pure Amir-al-Momenin  Ali (peace be upon him), the guiding light for humanity, attest to this genuine and sacred goal: Isalm  is submission , and submission is stability and constancy in the true reality of Existence. 

Dreaming of Peace is not peace. Everyone speaks of peace but there is no peace. Everyone wants peace and yet there is no peace. Each human beings innate urge is to live in peace, and yet people do not cease to fight, kill and destroy. Our desire to transform the world must begin with transformation of "i" into "I" the true self. By transforming the "i" one can go long way towards transforming the greater world in which "I" lives. A successful human society is attained through the outward and inward harmony of its member and their harmonious existence in a unified system. Unless every individual discover the knowledge and the reality with in them, we will not have a peaceful calm and prosperous society. 

May Lord grant us the peace and tranquility.    Ellahi Ameen

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Uniting Church Prayer:

Father almighty, we pray for peace on earth.
For peace that is life-giving;
for peace that is love-bearing;
For peace that is true freedom;
for peace that is purposeful;

for peace that is prevailing.

Father, we pray for children in time of war; they are so defenseless.
We pray for the old; they are unable to escape danger quickly.
We pray for the disabled; they are at the mercy of others.
We pray for the women; they are so vulnerable to abuse.
We pray for the innocent; they suffer for the unjust desires of others.
We pray for those whose lives will be changed by war: those who are blinded; those who are burned; those who lose limbs; those who lose their reason; those who lose their peace of mind; those who lose their health and strength forever.

Father, above all we pray for those in anguish;

those whose lives will never be the same again;
those who have lost their loved ones;
those who have lost their lives.

Father, deepen our desire for peace;

restore our resolve for peace;
increase our intent to work for peace.
Will for us your peace, perfect and prevailing,
for your Son, our Saviour Christ’s sake.

Amen.

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

Zoroastrian Prayer:

A short prayer in the words of Prophet Zarathushtra.

Ash?m V?hu

Ash?m V?hu Vahisht?m asti
Usht? asti
Usht? Ahami h?yat ashi vahisht?i ash?m. 

 

Translation of this short prayer

The blessing of righteousness embodies the highest virtue.
It radiates happiness.
Happiness will come to the one who seeks righteousness.

(Silent reflection)

Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.

 

A short Reflection:

Lighting of Candles:

(Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s music will be played during the lighting of the candles)

Song:   “Make me a channel of your peace” ^

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love;
where there is injury, your pardon, Lord; and
where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

 

Refrain:      
Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope;
where there is darkness, let me bring your light; and
where there’s sadness, ever joy.

 

Refrain:      
Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving of ourselves that we receive, and
in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

Vote of Thanks:

Benediction:

Everyone is invited to stay for refreshments and extended fellowship.

 

*        The words adapted from the Upanishads, were used by Mother Teresa in 1981 and urged people of all faiths to use the peace prayer daily at noon.

^       Hymn covered by CAL