Dominican Republic — 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 Dominican Republic, a nation in the Greater Antilles that occupyies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola. Haiti occupyies the remainder of the island. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the island that the Taíno people had inhabited since the 7th century.

Scripture Reading— Ephesians 2:17-19 NRSV

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God...

Prayer for Peace

Rich Baldwin

Almighty God,

In the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we gather in this sacred space to consecrate our lives to the building of your peaceable kingdom.

We come with a sense of urgency for the sake of our Mother Earth, and her beautiful nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples. We understand that ultimately there can be no lasting peace between nations until peace is within them, the Divine peace that passes all understanding.

Grace us then with your promised comforter, the peace of your Holy Spirit. Fill us with a new and heightened sense of your presence. Breathe on us, and make us instruments of your peace.

Give us courage to tear down the walls which fear has erected to separate us from you and from one another. Empower us to bridge the schisms of ethnic, racial, and cultural divisions so that we may bind the brokenhearted and tell the Good News to all.

We have heard the cries and the voices of the hungry and homeless, the alien and refugee, the sick and suffering, and sense a desire to be living, breathing testaments of your gospel. Teach us to learn of your ways and serve those in need.

May we ever labor and pray faithfully that your kingdom will come, your will be done, until the lion and lamb lie down together and the little child will lead them. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “The Love of God” number 210 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 Dominican Republic, 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.



