Kuwait — 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 Kuwait, located in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf. Kuwait shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It has a cultural heritage dating back to antiquity.

Scripture Reading— Colossians 1:19-20 NRSV

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Prayer for Peace

Dorothy Gundling

Great God, once again your children come to you with our daily prayer for peace. We realize that you are never far from our sides and that you love us. We are filled with love for you in return. Because of this love, we also have a great desire to do your will, to help bring peace into the lives of others. We have been taught to be instruments of your peace. We rejoice in the knowledge that this love is everlasting and that each of us have been given the ability to be the bearers of your love to others.

Our lives on earth are brief if measured by the meridian of time. For some however this life is filled with deprivation. Not only is there a lack of the essential nourishment for their bodies, but there is the absence of the caring, loving persons who could nurture their lives. Our greatest prayer, dear One, is that the Holy Comforter will fill their souls with the strength that only comes from you. May your peace, which we sense so strongly in this quiet time of prayer, become a reality in their lives.

We also pray for those who are diplomatically pursuing those resolutions which will result in everlasting peace for the world. May your Holy Spirit bless them in their efforts and may your watch care be with them. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 636 in Community of Christ Sings, “I Have Called You by Your Name.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 636.

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 context for our Prayers of the People begin with ourselves and move outward, in rippling waves to those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, to all of creation.

Will you join with me in this time of prayer and meditation acknowledging your soul’s yearning for God’s presence and peace? Silently join your heart with God’s.

Pause.

O God of love, grant us your peace. We struggle with insecurities and fears, weighed down with issues that affect our sense of worth and wholeness. Grant us peace that calms the inner turmoil of our souls and affirms that we are beloved.

Pause.

O God of life, grant us your peace. We strive for relationships that are fair, equitable and filled with compassion, yet we often find ourselves enslaved in conflicts with others, even those we love. Grant us the strength to listen with our hearts first that we may grow in deeper connection with those whom we call friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.

Pause.

O God of hope, grant us your peace. We have grown weary of the sounds of war, violence, oppression and diminishment of men, women and children, yet we fail to heed your urgent invitation to act for justice. Grant us the courage to extend our hands in acts of mercy, service, and peacemaking. We remember all nations, including Kuwait, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

O God of all creation, grant us your peace. We understand that we are made of the same substance as all living things, yet fail to grasp your vision of the sacredness of creation. Make us more aware and weave us into oneness. Grant us a glimpse of your love for creation in all its forms and the compassion to act in ways that respect and honor the genius of your universe.

Pause.

O God of peace, we offer ourselves as vessels of your grace and peace, so that from where we stand, waves of your loving presence will emanate to bless your world. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Live simply. Value others.

Honor the Earth. Walk in sacred footsteps.

Go in peace.