Bahrain — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b.

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Bahrain, located near the western shores of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. Bahrain is comprised of more than 84 islands.

Scripture Reading— 3 Nephi 10:18

"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

Prayer for Peace

Jenn Killpack

Gracious and loving God,

We are a unique collection of your beloved children.

We come from different backgrounds, with amazing skills and individual perspectives. But we are more than that.

Around this room and in places around the world, we are your dedicated servants, united in our desire to make your vision of peace—real.

On our best days, we breathe deeply of your Spirit and are knocked to our knees by the unfathomable love that pours from a lowly manger. Other days we are so full of ourselves we can’t squeeze our giant heads though the stable doors.

Thank you for this overwhelming love so freely given and forgive us for the days when we are not at our best.

As we continue traveling through this Advent season and beyond, we trust your Spirit goes before us and travels with us, lighting the way.

Let us be illuminated by your light from the inside out, sharing joy, hope, love and peace with all those we meet.

In the name of the One who’s birth we celebrate this season. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 400 in Community of Christ Sings, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 400.

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 this day begin with ourselves and then, enlarging life’s circle, move outward to include those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, and to all of creation.

Please join with me in today’s prayer and meditation; quiet your breathing and embrace God’s eternal grace as you become aware of your own responses to the guided prayers of the people.

Pause.

God, you are the still point of the circle within which all creation is found. I yearn to connect with your spirit of peace and experience the companionship of your presence in this moment. May I abide in the center of creation’s circle with you?

Pause.

Creator of horizons, help us draw the circle wider to include those I know and love, and even those I struggle to understand and accept. Fill this circle with the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and peace. Give us the desire to include all whose paths cross ours into a place where acceptance is offered freely. Draw our circle wider.

Pause.

Giver of dreams, let the peace we’ve dreamed of expand to embrace all your children. We remember all nations, including Bahrain, the country we pray for today. Within this circle may we see the other as brother and sister, and act as mutual stewards of one another. You call us to live without borders that exclude. Help us to draw the circle wider still.

Pause.

God of all living things, your world longs to be whole and in harmony. The dream of shalom includes caregiving for the water, earth, air and all that has life in one great family. You created us with interdependencies. Give us mutual respect and tender care for all. Let this be our song: Nothing on your created Earth stands alone, but lives in shalom with all other living things. Draw the circle wide open.

Pause.

Architect of life and peace, may we be blessed by your vision of shalom this day. May our minds, hearts, and spirits be wide enough for all to find a home. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

May blessings of peace

Be realized today

Through the Source, Savior, and Spirit.

Go in peace.



