Monaco — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Monaco, a nation in Europe. Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Monaco has an area of only 2.02 km (less than one square mile) and a population of about 38,400.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 163:10

Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.

Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.

Prayer for Peace

Ryan C. Tittle

Heavenly Father,

We come to you humbly in the presence of our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for and seek peace for your creation. We say humbly because, perhaps, we are not your most peaceful servants. Like many, we can be quick to anger, to judge. This is a human failing, but we believe through your guidance, change is possible. Even if we're not the best equipped, there’s a hymn that says, “Let there be peace on Earth/And let it begin with me.” So let it be.

In the hectic performance of our daily duties, we don’t always remember there are children who are hungry, neglected, tested at far too young an age. Some are brought up in homes where hatred is a given and rage a fact of life. Through education, we hope to combat these forces. But, we cannot do it alone. We pray for diligence, understanding, and the calm that one can feel in the presence of the Almighty. Help us remember we are not alone and let us stand side-by-side, and bring tranquility where there is madness, silence where there is deafening noise, and harmony where there is discord.

May your grace be upon the communities and the families of all countries. Help us learn to listen to the still, small voice that encourages us to love in a world that often dares us to hate. Help us look upon each as other as God’s children, every last one, and with that meekness and humility of a child, we ask you today for spiritual guidance so we may better serve you.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Till All the Jails Are Empty” number 303 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 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 Monaco, 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.