Denmark — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space that “stand(s) as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Denmark, a nation in Northern Europe and consisting of the peninsula of Jutland and 443 named islands, 74 of which are inhabited.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.

Prayer for Peace

Esther Steward

God, we plead our cause for a world that groans deeply for your peace—a broken hurting world where many people feel pain and suffering daily.

Grief, strife, pain, illness, sin and loneliness surround many.

May we see through fresh eyes and recognize those longing and aching for peace and justice.

We ask that you equip us with the courage to advocate for those without a voice.

Stir in us something new in our approach to peace.

Lead us to places where we can take steps toward joy, hope, love and peace!

Provide us with strength to move out of our comfort zones to Pursue Peace on Earth.

May your sweet ministry of angels be with those experiencing a lack of peace, injustice or lack of well-being. May your heavenly angels attend to all who hurt, bringing them calm, comfort, rest, peace and blessed assurance.

Aid us in providing safe places of sanctuary to protect and shelter the weak, neglected, oppressed and abused.

Grant us patience to lovingly contend with those instigating chaos—oppressors, abusers and others who disrupt peace in some way.

We desire peace of mind, peace—not war and a gentle calm quiet peace for all creation.

May your love and compassion be shown through our words and actions, as we work to be your hands, feet, voice and heart.

We admit that some of us are the ones needing and seeking peace. Deliver us from our current condition of unrest.

We long to experience shalom. May your will be done.

We pray to help build Zion, through our thoughts, words and deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Circle Round for Freedom” number 383 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 Denmark, 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.