Vanuatu — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b.

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Vanuatu, a nation in the South Pacific Ocean 1,000 miles east of northern Australia.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11

God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compasion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Through divine grace and wisdom, this faith community has been given abundant gifts, resources, and opportunities to equip it to become such a people. Chief among these is the power of community in Christ ex-pressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world.

There are many issues that could easily consume the time and energy of the church. However, the challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead.

Prayer for Peace

Linda Brenner

God, our Creator,

We wonder how to pray for peace. Each time we rejoice in the news of a peaceful resolution to conflict, chaos erupts in another form and place.

In our interpersonal relationships, sometimes we experience harmony; the harmony which stirs hope within us that peace can exist in our world. However, other times we are overcome by fear, weariness, or discouragement which causes us to retreat to our passive, quiet places; leaving the work of peace for those we consider more capable.

Help us to hear the voice of your spirit while we are in our quiet places. May our yearnings for peace become tools for you to teach us how to be makers of peace.

Heighten our awareness that each of us is created in your likeness.

Remind us that conflict begins with the disagreement of two people, and caution us when we are tempted to take sides or gather others to our way of thinking.

Bless us with discernment that we may offer our gifts to the cause of justice within our area of influence. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “God Is Here!” number 70 in Community of Christ Sings. Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text.

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 will begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

You are invited to join in prayer and meditation as you close your eyes and imagine yourself held in God’s loving hands. Be aware of your current needs, known to you and the one who calls you by your name.

Pause.

God of my life, may I receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Imagine someone who is close to you being held in God’s loving hands. Perhaps this person is a good friend or someone with whom you are struggling.

God of relationships, may this person receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Envision all the people of the world, every nation and tribe, every town and village. Imagine those that live in oneness, as well as those ravaged by war and violence.

God of all peoples, may these communities receive your love, peace, and healing. We remember all nations, including Vanuatu, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

Behold all that God has created. See the beauty of the Earth. Recognize the brokenness and destruction we have caused. Imagine all the beauty and the damage held in God’s loving hands.

God of creation, may this planet receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

May this spirit of peace and compassion for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth remain alive in us this day. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Take the peace you have found today in this sacred space with you into the world—renewed and inspired to act.

Go in peace.