El Salvador — 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 El Salvador, a nationin Central America. This country is the smallest and most densely populated of nations in the area. Of the nearly 7 million people living there, the majority are Mestizos of European and Indigenous American descent. It is a small country that has known great violence.

Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians 1:3-7 NRSV

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Kent Parker

Creator of all, sustainer of each example of life; search us now we pray. Erase from our lives the extras that keep us from that peaceable existence that can only come about when we know that we are your creation. Light the fire of gentle peace within our souls, O God. Activate our desire to serve.

Call us to active peace-making. Draw us out of our safe thoughts and enfolding beliefs into the service of the cause of peace. Enable us to bless that world which aches for the breath of life that comes about with our being near to you.

Let us look out over humanity and see the pervasive need that permeates the heart and soul of a world sublimated to avarice and greed. Encourage us to raise our hearts, voices and hands against that which serves to humiliate and humble. Chide us to, as the song says, “guard each one’s dignity.” Wash us with the warmth of your love from whence comes your peace.

We are aware of our shortcomings, but we are also very aware of the shining light of the gifts with which you have graced our existence. Because you have loved us, O God; we will stand for you raising our own call for the peace of God to wash over this planet like a great embracing wave; washing into every home and place until all of creation acknowledges its Creator. We will stand for peace until that great and glorious day when ALL shall say, “It is done. It is good.”

Amen and Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Shalom chaverim,” No. 653 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 El Salvador, 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.