Tuvalu — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where we are called to, “above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Tuvalu, a nation in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 26:3 NRSV

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—

in peace because they trust in you.

Prayer for Peace

William Rounds

Eternal God, your act of creation brought peaceful order out of chaos. In this Temple dedicated to peace, we ask for your multiplying blessing upon our efforts as peacemakers.

We long for a peaceful world; a world of justice and mercy; a world of forgiveness and love. Remind us that such a world must begin in our hearts and minds; must spread through our families and then through an ever-widening circle of friends, neighbors, communities, and nations.

Forgive our unpeaceful acts of self-centeredness and greed, and challenge us to try again to be more peaceful in all our relationships.

Grant us in our hearts that peace that passes understanding, and bless us in our desire to share that peace with our neighbors throughout this day.

This is our prayer in the name of the one who stilled the wind and waves with a word, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Draw the Circle Wide” number 273 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 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.

Please join with me in today’s prayer and meditation; quiet your breathing and embrace God’s eternal grace as you become aware of your own responses to the guided prayers of the people.

Pause.

God, you are the still point of the circle within which all creation is found. I yearn to connect with your spirit of peace and experience the companionship of your presence in this moment. May I abide in the center of creation’s circle with you?

Pause.

Creator of horizons, help us draw the circle wider to include those I know and love, and even those I struggle to understand and accept. Fill this circle with the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and peace. Give us the desire to include all whose paths cross ours into a place where acceptance is offered freely. Draw our circle wider.

Pause.

Giver of dreams, let the peace we’ve dreamed of expand to embrace all your children. We remember all nations, including Tuvalu, the country we pray for today. Within this circle may we see the other as brother and sister, and act as mutual stewards of one another. You call us to live without borders that exclude. Help us to draw the circle wider still.

Pause.

God of all living things, your world longs to be whole and in harmony. The dream of shalom includes caregiving for the water, earth, air and all that has life in one great family. You created us with interdependencies. Give us mutual respect and tender care for all. Let this be our song: Nothing on your created Earth stands alone, but lives in shalom with all other living things. Draw the circle wide open.

Pause.

Architect of life and peace, may we be blessed by your vision of shalom this day. May our minds, hearts, and spirits be wide enough for all to find a home. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

May blessings of peace

Be realized today

Through the Source, Savior, and Spirit.

Go in peace.