Papua New Guinea — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where we are called to, “above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Papua New Guinea, a nation north of Australia in the southwestern Pacific that encompasses the eastern half of the island of New Guinea as well as offshore islands.

Scripture Reading—Luke 24:44-53 (A,B,C) NRSV

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Prayer for Peace

Kristopher Taylor

Heavenly Father—Eternal God and Creator of all life, we come before you today with open minds, full hearts, and with a spirit of hope and gratitude. We gather together as your children—as a people devoted to the teachings of your Son and our Savior.

Just as you have promised to love us, comfort us, walk with us on our earthly journey—let us come to you, on this day, with our own promise—a covenant of continued praise, steadfast faith, and constant growth.

We ask you to extend your hand of unconditional love and unending peace, to not only those here today, but to all your children, across this world. We ask for your healing power to enter the souls of those who are afflicted with sickness, sorrow, and grief. We pray for your comfort to uplift the poor and ease the weary minds and bodies of those who are suffering—to provide welcoming arms of shelter to those who seek refuge and rest from turmoil and hardships. We plead to you, our Lord, to guide each of us in our daily struggles—ask you to be with us as we break through those obstacles that would keep us from living and sharing your message of love, hope, and peace. Help us to see through our differences and enable us to accept the diversity of all creation, to use these differences as an instrument to glorify your name and your mission—that as we go forth, your loving embrace may shine through us as we fulfill our purpose as a covenant people—as a community of, for, and in Christ.

As we worship, allow us to be your vessel—that your Holy Spirit work in us and through us, that we may recognize those in need—that we may possess the courage and strength to stand against injustices and rise to meet the challenges of this world and in this life.

Help us unite as one to share in your love—that we may invite your Spirit as a blessing upon each human being, that we will go forth doing Your will, as stewards of joy, love, hope, and peace. We ask all of these things, in the name of your holy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “On the Journey to Emmaus” number 272 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 begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.

Pause.

Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.

Pause.

Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.

Pause.

Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including Papua New Guinea, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.

Pause.

God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.

Pause.

May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.

Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Go in peace.