Ireland — 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 Ireland, a nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles. Ireland is known for its history, culture, and beauty.

Scripture Reading— Psalm 34:14 NRSV

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Prayer for Peace

Donald Lents

O God, Creator of all world, Comforter of all people, we gather in anticipation and assurance that you will be with us in this worship experience. It is in you and in your love that we find peace and security. Search us and try our ways as we come to this hour to share fellowship with each other and with you.

As we sense your presence we pause in humility. We walk daily under your protection and this, on occasion, we have abused; forgive us as a congregation for thinking only of ourselves.

Humankind ofttimes has seen you in daily events and in history we have become aware of your concerns. Today we see you in the faces of those who suffer pain and injustice. We see you there in the actions and lives of people who give themselves in service to others.

We are aware of many willing to turn themselves over to you to help accomplish peace, comfort and security in lives being lived far below that which is intended. Help us to discipline our lives, our nations and our Christian fellowship so that men, women and children can be the recipients of peace and justice which seems many times to elude great numbers of the good people of the earth.

Teach us to love one another. May we see the good in each person. In your sight there are no racial differences or nationalities and every person is a child of yours.

Forgive us for those barriers we have erected that separate people the world over from one another. Bring us closer together in unity, understanding and love, we pray. As we respond in sincerity we will be forgiven for hurts and distresses we have inflicted upon others.

Bless us, O God, as we witness to the faith that sets us free and binds us to you. Send us forth this day committed to serving you more fully, so that peace may become a reality and the days ahead peaceful in the lives of your children. Help us to truly be peacemakers as we join our efforts with yours. We pray in the name of the great peacemaker, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 167 in Community of Christ Sings, “Be Thou My Vision.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 167.

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 Ireland, 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.