Rwanda — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b.

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Rwanda, located in East Africa. This landlocked country, with a green, mountainous landscape, is renowned for Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 85:8, 10-13 NRSV

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,

for he will speak peace to his people,

to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;

righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,

and righteousness will look down from the sky.

The Lord will give what is good,

and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before him,

and will make a path for his steps.

Prayer for Peace

David Billingsley

Dear God,

We pray for those in the morning of their lives. For those who are taking their first steps, speaking their first words, starting school, trying to understand the world around them, those who at times need guidance, encouragement and reassurance. Bless them and help us to know when we can be of help.

We pray for those in the midday of their lives. For those who are always busy and find it difficult to find time for quiet reflection. For those coming to terms with the challenges of the world of work and ongoing education, while participating in changing aspects of family life and developing friendships. Bless them and help us to know when we can be of help.

We pray for those in the afternoon of their lives. For those with significant responsibilities for other people who find themselves in stressful situations. For those who are coming to terms with a relationship that is challenging or coming apart, those who at times need a sense of perspective and the occasional reminder of the importance of looking beyond themselves. Bless them and help us to know when we can be of help.

We pray for those in the evening of their lives. For those with children leaving home to start their own families, those approaching retirement or facing layoffs. For those looking for a new challenge that will maintain their sense of self-worth. Bless them and help us to know when we can be of help.

We pray for those in the twilight of their lives. For those with physical frailty to cope with, those who have doubts, worries and uncertainties about their future and the future of those they love. For those facing the challenge of letting go what is no longer important or necessary. Bless them and help us to know when we can be of help.

Guide us Heavenly Father to help others, through how we live, to appreciate that you are with us in all the changing times, days and seasons of our lives, when times are calm and when they are stormy, your love always surrounds us.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 193 in Community of Christ Sings, “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 193.

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 Rwanda, 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.