Republic of North Macedonia — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be stilled, and it calls you once again to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of the Republic of North Macedonia, a nation on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia and is part Balkan, part Mediterranean, as well as rich in Greek, Roman and Ottoman history. This small and beautiful country is filled with history, culture and adventure.

Scripture Reading— Isaiah 60:1 NRSV

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Prayer for Peace

Davy Jones

Gracious Lord,

Children cry in the night, and we pretend we don’t hear. The homeless beg on every corner, and we turn a blind eye. Thugs and murders exterminate the innocent in your name, and we rationalize their intent. Mothers weep for their sons and daughters in harm’s way, and we squabble over politics.

God of all, we become so wrapped up in our daily lives; we try to insulate ourselves from the hate, anger and injustice in our world. We forget that Christ’s mission is our mission, and shun the cries for help from the downtrodden.

Creator, guide our hearts toward those in need; help us provide strength to the weak, comfort to the sorrowful, compassion to the fallen, forgiveness to the trespassers. Help us bring the light of peace to a dark and frightened world.

In and through Christ we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 399 in Community of Christ Sings, “Wait for the Lord.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 399.

Prayers of the People

As we enter a time of guided prayer, meditation, and musical reflection, you are invited to offer silent prayers or meditate during the moments of quiet. The Prayers of the People begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including the Republic of North Macedonia, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be witnesses of hope,

Shed tears for injustice, and

Make a difference in the world.

Go in peace.



