Croatia — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred time. The “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Croatia (kroh-ey-shuh), a nation at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southeast Europe, and the Mediterranean. The Croats have occupied the area of present-day Croatia since the early part of the 7th century AD.

Scripture Reading—Mark 12:28-31 NRSV

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Prayer for Peace

Shirley Valier Remmenga

Lord of Life, our Creator,

We praise you with thanksgiving for you are peace. Your peace is all around us, present in all your creation.

We look at the fluttering butterfly amid the flowers and we see peace.

We listen to the song of the meadowlark and we hear peace.

We cup a fragrant rose in our hands and we smell peace.

We bite into a vine-ripened tomato and we taste peace.

We hold a baby in our arms, lay our cheek on that soft, sweet cheek and we feel peace.

All our senses experience peace, and they tell us that you are peace.

We would know your peace, O Lord, not only with our senses, but with our minds and our hearts and our souls. With this knowing may we express your peace, promote your peace, embody your peace, be your peace in our world that needs your peace so desperately.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “We Lift Our Voices” number 618 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 the planet.

Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.

Pause.

Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.

Pause.

Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.

Pause.

Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including Croatia, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.

Pause.

God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.

Pause.

May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.

Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Go in peace.