Honduras — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Honduras, a nation in Central America sometimes referred to as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from Belize, once known as British Honduras. Honduras was home to several important Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya. It is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, though it is known for its rich natural resources of minerals, coffee, sugar cane and a growing textile industry.

Scripture Reading— Matthew 12:18-21 NRSV

“Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,

my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.

I will put my Spirit upon him,

and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

He will not wrangle or cry aloud,

nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.

He will not break a bruised reed

or quench a smoldering wick

until he brings justice to victory.

And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Prayer for Peace

Gloria Mitchell

God, the Creator. We approach your throne through our worship and time of praise and prayer to remember those whose lives have not been blessed with the abundant things in this world. Our prayer is for their spiritual growth, for a time of closeness with you.

O Lord of Lords, we take this time to remember our sins. We pray for forgiveness of those things that are not good in our lives. We also pray you will forgive our self-indulgences, our ears that will not hear, and our blindness.

Open our ears to the cries of your people and let us be your hands. Take away our blindness and allow the vision of your Son, Jesus Christ, to so fill our minds we will truly be able to see our servanthood.

Our prayer is for peace, but peace demands a price. Help us to be willing to pay our share for a better, safer, truly peaceful world. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?,” No. 336 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, 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 Honduras, 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.