Burkina Faso — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple [that] calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Burkina Faso, a nation in West Africa surrounded by six countries. French is its official language. The northwestern part of today’s Burkina Faso was first populated by hunter-gatherers between 14,000 and 5,000 BC.

Scripture Reading—Galatians 5:21-23 NRSV

...envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Prayer for Peace

Virginia Schrunk

All praise to the Divine Power propelling the universe yet loving and concerned for each of us. Some of us are entering a season in which we proclaim our joy and hope in the Prince of Peace. Others in the world have times of celebration in their varied faith traditions, too. But all yearn for a peaceable existence. Help us extend these special times to all times.

Each person affects a few others, but even so, our collective effect has not been enough to create relationships worthy of being called peaceable. We get involved in our personal wants. We try to compete for your favor even when we declare you are God, the light of all people. Help us be at peace and to bring peace to others. We say the Earth is created for all. You have given it to our care, but we have desecrated it for personal gain. Forgive our selfishness in thought and action. May we reach beyond self and give praise and thanksgiving for the power and love which created us, which gives us purpose for each day.

We pray for peace for the Earth and for each one on the planet. We do not want to limit your purposes and stifle your creativity. We want to live in your way and with your peace. Help us proclaim and be the message of the Prince of Peace in our part of your world. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 45 in Community of Christ Sings, “Of All the Spirit's Gifts to Me.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 45.

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.

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including Burkina Faso, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be witnesses of hope,

Shed tears for injustice, and

Make a difference in the world.

Go in peace.