Botswana — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Botswana, a nation in Southern Africa. The Kalahari Desert covers up to 70 percent of Botswana’s land surface. The country is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world.

Scripture Reading— John 20:19-21 NRSV

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

Prayer for Peace

Kent Parker

Hello God,

It’s us again. I know, we seem to come running to you all the time and it’s usually for the most trivial things. We are late to work, our car won’t start, or perhaps money is tight. But God, as your children, we know you are not our banker, time clock or even our mechanic. We look around ourselves at this planet and its teeming millions, and suddenly you have become even greater than we had ever suspected.

And just as suddenly, our eyes open to the world and the burgeoning miracle of creation that it is, with its millions of inhabitants and its oceans and landmasses pulsing with life and promise. What a glorious world you have given us, O God. We are not worthy of your grace and yet, you give it freely.

We pray for your forgiveness for our wasteful squandering of the planet’s resources. But more than that Lord, we ask your forgiveness for our wasteful actions and attitudes to the peace that is a hallmark of your love. We are so very aware that you have bequeathed that peace-filled legacy to us as your children, and yet we spend that legacy so carelessly on fruitless squabbling for lesser goals.

Guide our feet to higher ground, Lord so that we may be agents of your peace in a world sequestered and parted by walls of hatred and misunderstanding. Empower us, we pray, to use the gift of your peace to assist all peoples to know that there is a better way than what has gone before. Let us shake off the human history of conflict and battle for the mantle of your blessed peace, O God.

We pray these things in the name of the ultimate agent of peace, even Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “O Breath of Life” number 486 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.

Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.

Pause.

Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.

Pause.

Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.

Pause.

Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including Botswana, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.

Pause.

God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.

Pause.

May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.

Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Go in peace.



