Angola — 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 Angola, located on the western coast of Southern Africa. It is the seventh largest country in Africa. Portuguese is its official language, reflecting just one of the influences of having once been a Portuguese colony.

Scripture Reading— Romans 5:1-5 NRSV

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Prayer for Peace

Megan Nicholas, Annandale, Virginia, USA

Amidst the noise and demands of everyday life, it is easy for us to get distracted and lose our way on the path to God. War and strife creep in, beating at our spirits. But you are there with us, even in the darkness, reminding us that your presence stretches overall—even to the ends of the earth. You give us peace of mind, heart, and soul when we are lost in the middle of our troubles.

Today, Lord, we gather to humbly ask your blessing—not only upon this congregation and the needs of its people but for those seeking your peace in many other places throughout the world:

• For those who have turned away from you in the past, that they may be reminded of your strength and love and find renewed hope for the future.

• For soldiers in war, on both sides, may your power and love work in their hearts so peace can be restored.

• For all those, Lord, who are tired and sick—in body or in mind—and for those who have the power to help them, that they might be moved to share their gifts with those who need them.

Help us, Lord, to recognize the path we need to take to bring about your kingdom of peace here on earth.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “How Can We Name a Love” number 2 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 will begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

You are invited to join in prayer and meditation as you close your eyes and imagine yourself held in God’s loving hands. Be aware of your current needs, known to you and the one who calls you by your name.

Pause.

God of my life, may I receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Imagine someone who is close to you being held in God’s loving hands. Perhaps this person is a good friend or someone with whom you are struggling.

God of relationships, may this person receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Envision all the people of the world, every nation and tribe, every town and village. Imagine those that live in oneness, as well as those ravaged by war and violence.

God of all peoples, may these communities receive your love, peace, and healing. We remember all nations, including Angola, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

Behold all that God has created. See the beauty of the Earth. Recognize the brokenness and destruction we have caused. Imagine all the beauty and the damage held in God’s loving hands.

God of creation, may this planet receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

May this spirit of peace and compassion for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth remain alive in us this day. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Take the peace you have found today in this sacred space with you into the world—renewed and inspired to act.

Go in peace.



