Kazakhstan — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this prayer for peace. The “Temple [that] calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Kazakhstan (kaza-khstan), a nation in northern Central Asia. Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country.

Scripture Reading—Philippians 4:4-7 NRSV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer for Peace

Linda Shaull, adapted

Lord, teach us to forgive ourselves and free our minds to hear your voice. Move us to ask for forgiveness when we have offended. Open our eyes to the forgiveness we must give to those who have offended.

Give us the courage to reach out to those in need of a friend. Make us good listeners to strangers who may need just an encouraging word or an arm around their shoulder for comfort. Help us shake the hand of a person who may be different without fear and say, “Welcome.”

Help us to hear the cries of children who are hungry or thirsty. Grant us hearing from our hearts rather than our ears. Stir us to ask, “What can I do to help?” when we hear on the news about starving children. Please give us the understanding that the problem is not too big, one child at a time. Let us be the ones to sell others on their ability to help one child, so together, we can make a difference for a whole community.

We know, Lord, that peace is not possible without you as the overseer. Nor is peace possible if the basic needs of people remain unfulfilled. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the vision of peace. With the help of your Holy Spirit, may we have the commitment needed for that peace.

In Jesus’ most holy name we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Dear God, Embracing Humankind” number 194 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 will begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

You are invited to join in prayer and meditation as you close your eyes and imagine yourself held in God’s loving hands. Be aware of your current needs, known to you and the one who calls you by your name.

Pause.

God of my life, may I receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Imagine someone who is close to you being held in God’s loving hands. Perhaps this person is a good friend or someone with whom you are struggling.

God of relationships, may this person receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Envision all the people of the world, every nation and tribe, every town and village. Imagine those that live in oneness, as well as those ravaged by war and violence.

God of all peoples, may these communities receive your love, peace, and healing. We remember all nations, including Kazakhstan, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

Behold all that God has created. See the beauty of the Earth. Recognize the brokenness and destruction we have caused. Imagine all the beauty and the damage held in God’s loving hands.

God of creation, may this planet receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

May this spirit of peace and compassion for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth remain alive in us this day. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Take the peace you have found today in this sacred space with you into the world—renewed and inspired to act.

Go in peace.