Taiwan — 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 Taiwan, a nation off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The shape of the main island of Taiwan is similar to a sweet potato, therefore Taiwanese often call themselves “children of the Sweet Potato.”

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 65:25 NRSV

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Prayer for Peace

Michael Tzeng

Dear heavenly father, we thank you and praise you. You are the fountain of the living water, light in the dark. There is peace when we are with you. There are sorrows and burdens, but if we listen to you, look up to you, come close to you, then we will have happiness and joy. Our souls will be revived. In this world still full of confusion, we sincerely ask, may the Lord, our source of peace, give this world peace always and in every way. We rely on you firmly to keep us in perfect peace. In you, nothing is impossible. Your surprising peace will fill everyone’s heart, no matter who they are or from which country. May the glory be yours forever and ever. In this way, I pray in Jesus's name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 185 in Community of Christ Sings, “Golden Breaks the Dawn.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 185.

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 Taiwan, 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.



