Antigua and Barbuda — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. … [and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Antigua and Barbuda, located between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and consisting of two major inhabited islands.

Scripture Reading— Philippians 4:8-9 NRSV

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer for Peace

Joan Guthrie

Our God, we thank you for this peaceful hour, experiencing the warmth and comfort of your Holy Spirit. We want to continue in this Spirit of peace in our relationships. May we recognize that loving the person with whom we disagree is more important than winning the argument. May we not feel it necessary to be recognized or lifted up as much as to encourage and help another to succeed.

We want to continue in this Spirit of peace in our communities. May we work hard to see that all have an opportunity to flourish and to enjoy the blessings we take for granted. May we be generous in our giving of time, talents, and resources so that our community will quickly move closer to justice for all. May we overcome the fears and prejudices that keep us from relationships with those unlike ourselves.

We want to continue in this Spirit of peace by living with others in the world. May all people tire of killing and violence as a way to solve problems. May all have a greater trust and faith in the ways of love as Jesus has shown to the world. May we walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace until the lion lies down with the lamb and all humankind beat their swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks. May we not learn war anymore. Grant us your Spirit to help us establish peace from this moment on. We ask for these blessings in the name of the One who is our model peacemaker and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “We Shall Overcome,” No. 261 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.

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 Antigua and Barbuda, 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.



