Uruguay — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where you are invited to “Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Uruguay, a nation in the southeastern region of South America. Uruguay borders Argentina, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay is the smallest country on this continent and provides a progressive, stable, safe, and gifted culture.

Scripture Reading—2 Thessalonians 3:16 NRSV

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.

Prayer for Peace

Steve Ferguson

Eternal God,

With the Psalmist we sing our love songs to you. For you are good and your love endures forever. Today as our minds are focused on things above, we pause in remembrance of those suffering so deeply they can barely utter a word. So as the spirit of Christ Jesus fills us, our love song to you this day is our prayers for them.

We have sought to become a people after your own heart. That the feelings of your heart may become the feelings of our hearts; that your desires will be our desire to fulfill. Today, Almighty God, we carry the burden of the people, our brothers and sisters worldwide who are suffering.

We sorrow with them and pray for deliverance. We suffer with them and pray for release from captivity. We grieve with them and pray that the brokenhearted may find hope. We endure with them as we pray for your kingdom to come. We do these things with faith believing in that promised day when you, our God, will hold us close and wipe our tears away.

Eternal God, we witness to you our desires to be a friend of Jesus Christ as we pray in his name. We witness to you how we have taken upon ourselves this burden for the people. And today, we witness to you our desires to become agents of this heaven-sent ministry for the world’s sake and to do this for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Let Our Earth Be Peaceful” number 371 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 Uruguay, 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.