South Africa — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “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 South Africa, a nation in the southernmost tip of Africa. The country has a heart-wrenching history of apartheid as well as an immense sense of hope for the future. This diverse country is known as one of the continent’s best safari destinations as well as offering multiethnic cultures, languages, and religions.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 32:17-18 NRSV

The effect of righteousness will be peace,

and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,

in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

Prayer for Peace

Ken Simpson

God of love and peace, hear us once again as we pray for conditions for which we long, and yet of which we understand so little. As we attempt to focus on that which we have come to understand as your divine call to us, there wells up within us a desire to more unreservedly join you in the quest for realization of these gifts in our world. We stand in awe as we contemplate your many acts of love and forgiveness that somehow enable us to seek your presence. In this moment we come to sense even more fully our need to be forgiven, and to commit ourselves more completely to your call.

God of love and peace, we have experienced the presence of your peace as your love and forgiveness have permeated our persons and our gatherings. We have known little true peace, yet enough to cause us to hunger and thirst for its fuller realization in our lives, our families, our nations, our world.

God of love and peace, cleanse us that we may receive your peace and go forth as your ambassadors of love, emissaries of peace. Through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” number 605 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 South Africa, 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.