Bolivia — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple [that] calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Bolivia, a nation in South America. Bolivia is the largest landlocked country in the Americas. One-third of this nation is the Andean mountain range.

Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4:7, 14-15 NRSV

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Author: Virginia Bruch

Our Lord of Love and Life,



We thank you for our very being, and for the influence of your son in our lives. Your love and continuing tender direction give us joy and hope. We thank you for the fellowship within the church, within the larger fellowship of Christians, and within the fellowship of our denomination world-wide!



In our hurried and perplexing daily lives, sometimes peace seems only a dream. Not only are the nations of the world lacking in peace, but within our own fellowship we lack peace. We often lack peace because of our differences.

But your love formed us... and your love unites us. Help us to know how great your love is ...no matter the differences of our cultures—no matter the color of our skin—or of the color of our life experiences. Your love surrounds us!

We have names for each other...names of identification or location. We have barriers of place, and barriers of race, and barriers of thought.

Our Lord, help us to know that wherever or whatever we are...

You are our Lord!

Help us to realize that it is Jesus who is our latch pin, our way, our light...that it is Christ who brings peace, and it is Christ above all that unites us!

Together, unite us in praise and worship, service and love.

In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “There's a Church within Us,” No. 278 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 Bolivia, 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.