Vanuatu — 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 Vanuatu, a nation in the South Pacific Ocean 1,000 miles east of northern Australia.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 161:7

The Spirit of the One you follow is the spirit of love and peace. That Spirit seeks to abide in the hearts of those who would embrace its call and live its message. The path will not always be easy, the choices will not always be clear, but the cause is sure and the Spirit will bear witness to the truth, and those who live the truth will know the hope and the joy of discipleship in the community of Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Peace

Steve Ferguson

Eternal God,

In the quiet of this moment we raise our voices to you, seeking to pray the deep feelings of our hearts. We knock on the door of heaven, praying in the name of your Son that today and forever the people may live in him. We acknowledge and affirm how Jesus calls us servants for the world’s sake, and that we are servants for his sake. In proclaiming this affirmation, we seek your Spirit that we may share your Spirit, that the people may live.

You have opened our eyes, showing us the turmoil and suffering many of our brothers and sisters face each day. Because of this, a deep and abiding passion burns within our hearts that the people may live in peace. We ask that the heavens open allowing your Spirit to pour out. Let your Spirit rain out of heaven, bringing new life to the wasteland, streams of living water to the bruised and broken hearted, and for the healing of the spirit of mankind.

Send to the people ministers of vast presence, those gifted with a healing touch that the people may soar on wings like eagles. We pray that these ministers may break down strongholds which prevent the Spirit of your peaceable kingdom from reaching all people. We pray for your kingdom to come, for your will to be done, that this new beginning may unfold upon the earth. We speak these things, the very desires of our hearts that the people may live in peace, and that this day and forever the people may experience the peace of Christ Jesus and live. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “How Many Times We Start Again” number 560 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 begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including Vanuatu, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be witnesses of hope,

Shed tears for injustice, and

Make a difference in the world.

Go in peace.

Susan Naylor, snaylor@CofChrist.org, 816-529-3718 (call or text)