Macao — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Macao, a nation on the west side of the Pearl River Delta in East Asia and the most densely populated region in the world. Under the policy of “one country, two systems,” the State Council of the People’s Republic of China is responsible for military defense and foreign affairs while Macao maintains its own legal system, public security force, monetary system, customs policy, and immigration policy.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 58:6-12 NRSV

Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of injustice,

to undo the thongs of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

and bring the homeless poor into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover them,

and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,

and your healing shall spring up quickly;

your vindicator shall go before you,

the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

If you remove the yoke from among you,

the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,

if you offer your food to the hungry

and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,

then your light shall rise in the darkness

and your gloom be like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you continually,

and satisfy your needs in parched places,

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters never fail.

Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;

you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;

you shall be called the repairer of the breach,

the restorer of streets to live in.

Prayer for Peace

Paul Teeter

Dear God,

Creator of our universe, our world, and our lives, we come humbly to express our enduring gratitude for your gift of life and agency. What wonderful gifts they are and how precious life truly is. While it is true that our lives end up being much of what we make of them, they are still unmistakable evidence of how much you love us.

The chaos in our world today is also evidence of how we have misused your gifts. As our world yearns for peace, we pray your enlightening spirit of peace to fall upon us all, our leaders, and us alike. Bless us all to understand the beauty of your peace, and honestly strive to achieve it, wherever we are, whether our influence is great or small.

When we see so much animosity around us, we often wonder what our relationship is with you, Lord, or even if we have one. Having never actually seen you, we may wonder at times if you exist. And we sometimes wonder where you are, and who is in charge.

Still, we sense, deep in our hearts, your spirit near to us, and even in us. You may speak unmistakably to us, personally or even through others, and always there is your still small voice that whispers to us. It always secretly discourages us from the ungodly and encourages us to do good. However, we choose to listen or not listen or rationalize away. We are never left uninformed of your plan for us. So, forgive us, Lord, for our humanity, our secret insincerities, our ungodly ways. Help us see you more clearly, to pray more faithfully because the unfaithful prayer is only hypocrisy.

We pray for the invasion of your loving spirit into our hearts that we not only come to you asking but also to come giving to fulfill the purpose of our creation. In our hearts, we do wish to be true Christians, even though we find it difficult sometimes. So, bless us to be a faithful people, grateful for the blessings you have endowed us with. Bless us then, to be a peaceful blessing. Help us to share with one another, the gift that can only be given by us, the only source, the gift of love with each other.

In Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “We Call Out to You” number 299 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.

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 Macao, 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.