Uzbekistan — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be stilled, and it calls you once again to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Uzbekistan, a nation in Central Asia. The former Soviet republic is known for its mosques and other sites linked to the Silk Road, an ancient trade route. It is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world--travelers must cross at least two national borders before reaching a coastline.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 11:6-9 NRSV

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion and the fatling together,

and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,

their young shall lie down together;

and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,

and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

They will not hurt or destroy

on all my holy mountain;

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.

Prayer for Peace

Barbara L. Beal

O Lord of all creation,

We meet you in this sacred time to express the yearning in our hearts for peace.

Enfold each of us with your mantel of great inner calm as we live in an age of confusion. Show us the real and lasting truths of your peace that we may share with others.

There is a great concern that all might be treated with humanity, as individuals; as equals.

Grant that we may choose the best paths to alleviate this suffering.

May we seek out and acknowledge the divine in every creature of your world.

Give us the discerning wisdom to leave open areas in our hearts for our differences.

Teach us tolerance.

Help us to always uphold the image of Jesus Christ, your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 380 in Community of Christ Sings, “O Day of Peace.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 380.

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, ultimately, the planet.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites you into his presence and his peace. Please allow yourself to breathe deeply and envision yourself in his all-embracing light as we share the prayers of the people.

Pause.

Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world; breathe your spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.

Pause.

Illuminating One, as we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors become aware of your light that emanates from within them as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace.

Pause.

Light of the world, extend ever-increasing brightness within this circle of self and friends to those who live all around the world. We remember all nations, including Uzbekistan, the country we pray for today. In places of darkness and hopelessness, may rays of your saving light break through and provide the way to hope and peace.

Pause.

Holy One, who created darkness and light, bless all your creation with the energy your light produces. Continue to sustain all forms of life—seen and unseen, for the welfare of your beloved creation. May the entire Earth be at peace.

Pause.

May the One who spoke light into darkness and substance out of the void hear our prayers. May the circle of light in which we live be enlarged to encompass all that was, and is, and is to be. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

As we depart in joy,

Confront injustices,

Be part of transformations toward peace, and

Generate hope for the world.

Go in peace.