Indigenous Peoples of Europe — 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 Indigenous Peoples of Europe, including the Basque of northern Spain and southern France, the Sami of northern Scandinavia, the Nenets and other Samoyedic peoples of the northern Russian Federation, and the Komi peoples of the western Urals, beside the Circassians in the North Caucasus.

Scripture Reading— Psalm 96:11-13 NRSV

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

let the field exult, and everything in it.

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the Lord; for he is coming,

for he is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness,

and the peoples with his truth.

Prayer for Peace

Norma Torrey

Loving God,

You sent the Prince of Peace into our world. What a precious gift you gave us. You wanted us to have peace on Earth and good will to all. You sent this message through a small child, our Savior and lord Jesus Christ, who makes such a difference in our world.

Lord, why don’t we learn your lessons so lovingly taught? Why do we continue to have wars? Why is there so much death, destruction, and misery? When will we learn to love others as ourselves?

We weep when we see the sadness so prevalent in our world. Help us turn our tears into positive action. We can’t help everyone, but we can help some—even one.

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration. We feel peaceful toward others. We speak, we smile, we give gifts, we send contributions, we go to church. Is it enough Lord? Are we doing all we can for peace? We are all eager to go to Bethlehem—to witness this glorious event, to celebrate the birth of our Lord. But there is more. We need to go beyond, to fulfill your promises—your hope.

You have given us a clear path to follow. You offer help and guidance when we lose sight of your path. We are on a life journey. We know that you are with us on our journey and that you carry us when our load becomes too great. Help us travel on this path of peace in faith.

In Jesus’ blessed name,

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 423 in Community of Christ Sings, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 423.

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 peoples, including the Indigenous Peoples of Europe, for whom we pray 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.



