French Polynesia — 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 French Polynesia, a nation comprised of 118 islands in the South Pacific stretching over an expanse of more than 1,200 miles. French Polynesia as we know it was one of the last places on Earth to be settled by humans. Scientists believe the Great Polynesian Migration happened around 1500 BC.

Scripture Reading— John 10:1-10 NRSV

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Prayer for Peace

Anonymous, French Polynesia

O God, Eternal Father, there are so many things to tell you. First, thank you for this creation in which I live.

I look at the night sky and find your handiwork: the stars moving through space. What are we that you remember us as well as the fishes in the waters and the animals in the fields?

I speak and walk across this world. Thanks to you, I receive strength and intelligence.

However, Lord, I do not have peace within me: sometimes I have arguments with my parents, my brothers and sister, even with my friends. I become angry and complain without reason. Joy and compassion leave me and I drift away from you.

Lord, please help me find and comprehend your peace, a true and unique peace.

Teach me how to share around what is best in me; help me to keep peace in my heart when I am tempted to be selfish.

I also pray for all my friends and for all those who are not in peace.

I trust myself to you, Lord. Amen.

ORIGINAL FRENCH

O Dieu Père Eternel il y a tant de choses à te dire. D’abord merci pour la création dans laquelle je vis.

Je regarde les cieux dans la nuit et je découvre l’œuvre de tes mains, les astres sont pendus dans l’espace, mais qu’est-ce pour que tu te souviennes de lui, les poissons dans l’eau et les animaux des champs.

Je parle et je marche à travers le monde. Grâce à toi mes forces et mon intelligence viennent de Toi.

Cependant Seigneur, je n’ai pas la Paix en moi ; il m’arrive de me disputer avec mes parents, mes frères et sœur, parfois avec mes amis. Je m’irrite et me plains sans raison. La joie et la compassion me quittent et je m’éloigne de toi.

Seigneur, je te demande de m’aider à trouver et à comprendre ta Paix, une Paix véritable et unique.

Apprend-moi à partager ce que j’ai de mieux autour de moi, que je mette la Paix dans mon cœur lorsque je suis égoïste.

Je prie aussi pour tous mes amis et pour tous ceux qui ne sont pas en paix.

Je me remets à Toi, Seigneur. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “For Jesus Loved Me” number 594 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 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 French Polynesia, 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 interdependence. 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.