Papua New Guinea — 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 Papua New Guinea, a nation north of Australia in the southwestern Pacific that encompasses the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and some offshore islands.

Scripture Reading— Romans 12:18 NRSV

If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Prayer for Peace

Sheryl Holstein

Dear God,

We confess to times of insensitivity, ignorance, judgment, indifference, hatred and greed. Help us tear down the walls that separate us from each other. Lord, let us see you in the faces of our brothers and sisters. Let us hear the cries of the frightened.

Living on every continent are those who are oppressed, hungry, and heavy laden. As we merge in your love, help us unfold the red bud of passion as we become a people of compassion. Let us keep the lamp of life burning. Free us from our own limitations that we might free others. Renew in us your Spirit, that we might be faithful to each other in your love.

Together we can build your community, in our hearts, with our minds, words, and deeds. May our hands join, our minds unite, and our hearts beat as one.

This is our prayer of peace. We lay it at your feet that it may be acceptable and we all might be healed in your love.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” number 657 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 context for our Prayers of the People 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.

Will you join with me in this time of prayer and meditation acknowledging your soul’s yearning for God’s presence and peace? Silently join your heart with God’s.

Pause.

O God of love, grant us your peace. We struggle with insecurities and fears, weighed down with issues that affect our sense of worth and wholeness. Grant us peace that calms the inner turmoil of our souls and affirms that we are beloved.

Pause.

O God of life, grant us your peace. We strive for relationships that are fair, equitable and filled with compassion, yet we often find ourselves enslaved in conflicts with others, even those we love. Grant us the strength to listen with our hearts first that we may grow in deeper connection with those whom we call friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.

Pause.

O God of hope, grant us your peace. We have grown weary of the sounds of war, violence, oppression and diminishment of men, women and children, yet we fail to heed your urgent invitation to act for justice. Grant us the courage to extend our hands in acts of mercy, service, and peacemaking. We remember all nations, including Papua New Guinea, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

O God of all creation, grant us your peace. We understand that we are made of the same substance as all living things, yet fail to grasp your vision of the sacredness of creation. Make us more aware and weave us into oneness. Grant us a glimpse of your love for creation in all its forms and the compassion to act in ways that respect and honor the genius of your universe.

Pause.

O God of peace, we offer ourselves as vessels of your grace and peace, so that from where we stand, waves of your loving presence will emanate to bless your world. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Live simply. Value others.

Honor the Earth. Walk in sacred footsteps.

Go in peace.



