Cyprus — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Cyprus, located on the southern part of the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean sea. Known for its beaches, it also hosts wine regions, and archaeological sites dating to the 10th milliennium BC. Other sites include palaces, tombs and mosaic tiled villas. This island nation is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Fulfill the purposes of the Temple by making its ministries manifest in your hearts. It was built from your sacrifices and searching over many generations. Let it stand as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Prayer for Peace

Charles Kornman

They call you the “Prince of Peace.”

We read those words in wonderment.

because we live in chaos and shattered dreams.

But when we read those words,

“The Prince of Peace”

In our hearts we want to follow.

Long have we known the commandment:

“Follow after the things

that make for peace.”

O Holy One,

Teach us how to love each other.

Clear our minds of evil thoughts

that keep us from following you.

Teach us how to love each other.

Clear our hearts of evil intent

that keeps us from following you.

Teach us how to love each other.

We want to

“venture forth to meet this need” to love,

But we are afraid of the consequences

so we find so many reasons

why we can't follow you.

There seem to be many ways to follow

But only one way to not follow.

Grant us the desire and the courage

to follow you in the path of peace.

Teach us, O Holy One,

how to follow you in the path of peace.

So be it. Amen

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 343 in Community of Christ Sings, “Listen for the Call of God.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 343.

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 this day begin with ourselves and move outward, in rippling waves to those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, to all of creation. We begin by noticing our breathing. We breathe in spirit and exhale those things that separate us from you, O God. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Please enter into the silence with me as we pray for peace remembering God’s promise to be with us and to work in us. Listen for the sound of the beloved’s voice.

Pause.

God of creation, in the beginning your breath moved over the waters and brought calm and peace to a chaotic world. Breathe into my being this day; bring respite to my frenzied soul. Refresh my frayed sense of self and bring alive my hope for peace through words and actions inspired by your spirit. Breathe on me, breath of God.

Pause.

God of reconciliation, 2,000 years ago you breathed and the word became flesh among us, teaching us the way of forgiveness, mercy, compassion and peace. Breathe into our relationships this day; allow us to enflesh the teachings of your Son within our family, friends, neighbors, and even our encounters with those we do not yet know. Breathe on us, breath of God.

Pause.

God of sacred community, your Holy Spirit seeks to blow through the discord, disruption, and disease of the world to bring healing and wholeness once again. We remember all nations, including Cyprus, the country we pray for today. Remind us that many of your children lack the basic needs of life, including freedom, space to grow, and love to support them. Breathe on your people, breath of God.

Pause.

God of all, your planet is gasping for breath, heaving under the pressure and weight of unbridled consumption of resources and greed-driven destruction of your world. The Earth groans from forces of chaos that destroy what we have been given as a gift for all creation. Awaken us to our responsibilities to heal and bring peace to our earthly home. Breathe once again over the waters, skies, land, and all that inhabit them, breath of God.

Pause.

May the awareness of our own breathing connect us to you, O God, and to all that lives because you create it, love it, and call it good. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be blessed this day with frustration at injustice.

To motivate us to work for peace.

Go in peace.



