All Nations

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

We pray today for peace for each person within and among every nation of our world. At times we are overwhelmed by human conflict resulting in the violence of war, poverty and oppression. In praying for peace, we hold all of the nations of the world in our hearts and strive to be instruments of God’s mercy, compassion, and love in this world that God so dearly loves. As the joy of Christmas lingers and the New Year lies before us, may we reflect on the wonder of God in our midst, and recommit to God’s promise of hope and love to a world longing for just and lasting peace.

Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 31:12-13 NRSV

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,

and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,

over the grain, the wine, and the oil,

and over the young of the flock and the herd;

their life shall become like a watered garden,

and they shall never languish again.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,

and the young men and the old shall be merry.

I will turn their mourning into joy,

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

Prayer for Peace

Grant McMurray

God of this time and all time, we pause on this first day of a New Year to give thanks for the gift of life, for a world in which to live out our stewardship of that life, and for the divine love, which is at the very foundation of life itself.

We look back on the year just past and recognize our joys and sorrows, our awareness of deeds done and those left undone. We confess our sin and accept your forgiveness, which is stitched into the fabric of our personhood. We are grateful beyond words for your presence in our lives.

We recognize our unworthiness and pray that we may always carry with us the spirit of gratitude that comes from our knowledge of your grace-filled love.

We pray for our world and its many diverse people. We know of the differences and the hostilities that linger out there among so many of your children. We know of the tribal, cultural, ethnic, philosophical, language, lifestyle, religious, and interpersonal differences that divide us and that sometimes pit us against one another.

We pray for your reconciling love, Lord, as we strive anew to be a peaceful people, to find new ways to mediate that which separates us and to seek that which unites us.

We do not know what the New Year will bring-but we approach it in trust because we know you are our God and we are your people. Remind us, Lord, for we will forget.

Encourage us, Lord, for we will be reluctant. Inspire us, Lord, for we will often think of only commonplace answers. Calm us, Lord, for we will get angry and unreasonable. Love us Lord, for we will be unlovable at times, but that is when we most need to be loved.

In this New Year, we resolve to embody the qualities so urgently needed from those who follow you: to rejoice in the goodness we see around us, to carry with us the hopeful promises of the gospel, to love our neighbors without conditions, and to be emissaries of peace wherever we live. We do that because our community of faith proclaims, in everything we do, the sacred name of Jesus Christ, in who name we pray on this fresh New Year, brimming with possibility. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 310 in Community of Christ Sings, “Peace Salaam Shalom.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 310.

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. As we start the new year, we remember all nations. 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.



