Zambia — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Zambia, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa that's home to 73 ethnic groups. Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, lies on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, along the Zambezi river.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 72:1-7 NRSV

Give the king your justice, O God,

and your righteousness to a king’s son.

May he judge your people with righteousness,

and your poor with justice.

May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,

and the hills, in righteousness.

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

give deliverance to the needy,

and crush the oppressor.

May he live while the sun endures,

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

like showers that water the earth.

In his days may righteousness flourish

and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

Prayer for Peace

Donald Lents

O God, the Creator, accept again our individual and collective thanks for your watch care and your counsel. At this season of the year help us remember the many ways you have pointed us to this time which recognizes the birth of our Lord and Savior. As a result, we do not need to sit in darkness if we will be receptive not only to you but also to the signs of the prophets in the lives of neighbors, friends, and family.

During this season we shall sing “Peace on earth, good will to men” many times. We are aware you did come to bring peace on earth as well as to our troubled souls. Let us remember that darkness and fear of war can be taken from us if we will recognize the glory and promises that surround us.

Help us to remember that our tribulations and sufferings of this day are not worthy to be a part of our makeup, especially when we remember the promises and glory yet to be revealed to us.

Today, in our world, some have little joy in their lives and families. Help us to reach out in love, concern, and interest to assist in sharing assurance and promise of hope and peace.

We are thankful that you created us for fellowship with each other and with you. As we think of peace, we desire a more meaningful relationship which leads us ever nearer to the peace that at times seems so elusive.

Help us to be partners in our ecumenical movements to strive for and be successful in our peacemaking desires. Make us, O God, willing to pay the price for peace. This prayer is offered through the great peacemaker, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 211 in Community of Christ Sings, “Humble Yourself.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 211.

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 this day begin with ourselves and then, enlarging life’s circle, move outward to include those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, and to all of creation.

Will you pause for the next few moments in the quiet of this sanctuary, away from the worries of the world, to silently add your own thoughts and prayers to the prayers of the people?

Pause.

God of all time and space, I stand waiting for your peace to enter my broken and chaotic soul, just as you wait for me to pause long enough to breathe and simply be. May your peace fill the space that I now create with my breath and my being. Hear my often-impatient cry, “Be with me, O Prince of Peace, and make me whole.”

Pause.

Source of our being, we stand waiting for your peace to enter our broken and chaotic relationships, just as you wait for us to pause long enough to invite you in. May your reconciling presence bring us to a point of apology and forgiveness, of offering and receiving, and unity. Hear our impatient cry, “Be with us, O Prince of Peace, and make us one.”

Pause.

Lord of all Earth’s people, the world stands waiting for your peace to calm the warring nations, to stem the tide of violence we inflict against one another, just as you wait for us to stop the madness long enough to see one another as family. We remember all nations, including Zambia, the country we pray for today. May your profound compassion for your children flow within us. Enable us to surrender our hatred and fear and be filled instead with your loving kindness and mercy. Hear our often-impatient cry, “Be with our human family, O Prince of Peace, and make us one.”

Pause.

Creator of all, your creation stands waiting for your healing touch to restore all living things to oneness and wholeness, just as you wait for us to revere what you have given us as a sacred gift. May your generous offering of water, earth, air, and all that has life remind us of our physical and spiritual connection with everything that was, is, and will be. Help us honor our call as stewards of the Earth. Hear our impatient cry, “Be with our Earth, O Prince of Peace. Make all things one.”

Pause.

We ask for this blessing of your peace in and through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Make every breath one of thanksgiving;

Make every deed a channel of justice;

Make every thought a peaceful one;

Go in peace.