Barbados — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. …[and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Barbados, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean east of the other West Indies islands. Barbados is composed of coral and a large portion of the island is also circled by coral reefs.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Fulfill the purposes of the Temple by making its ministries manifest in your hearts. It was built from your sacrifices and searching over many generations. Let it stand as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Prayer for Peace

Jane McDonald

God of all humanity

Before we begin our day together—learning, sharing, reading, laughing, singing

We will take a few moments and pray for peace.

In each of our lives there are neighbors, friends or family who have strife in their homes—please send peace.

Many locations in our homeland and around the world have been touched by natural disasters and lives and livelihoods have been destroyed—please send peace.

Large cities and small towns both have contentions among their citizens—please send peace.

Nations stand again nation—for reasons of wealth and poverty, borders, power and greed—please send peace.

Or better yet—please send the peacemakers.

In the name of our brother, Jesus, name we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “God's Melody of Peace” number 319 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 begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.

Pause.

Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.

Pause.

Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.

Pause.

Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including Barbados, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.

Pause.

God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.

Pause.

May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.

Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Go in peace.