Cameroon — 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 Cameroon, located in West Africa. It is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” for its geological and cultural diversity. It is home to more than 1,738 different linguistic groups. French and English are the official languages.

Scripture Reading— 1 John 3:14, 16-17 NRSV

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

Prayer for Peace

Donald Lents

Father, we entered this year a few weeks ago with the phrase Peace on earth, Good Will to Men ringing in our ears, hearts and souls. With the passing of a month in this year, this is still our hope and desire. We pray for help in our daily walk of life and in our fellowship with our companions and loved ones as we strive to make this truism become a reality.

Assist us, we pray, to recognize that large goals are reached as a result of being successful in our sometimes small and seemingly insignificant accomplishments. We are indeed thankful for the ability to see in many others the same hopes and desires for the most compatible relationships and peaceful coexistence.

For most of us in this Temple today, life is good and satisfying. Help us to not become complacent and forget or neglect those less fortunate. May we leave our worship committed to the attempt to fulfill one of your abundant life principles, that of having a holy concern for our fellow human beings.

In the spirit of this hour go with us now, stimulating and challenging us all to truly reach out in peaceful endeavors. As the year continues, we have hope and anticipation that our efforts will assist in the success of promised peace-making endeavors.

We are thankful that we can express our hopes and desires through the great peacemaker, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 325 in Community of Christ Sings, “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 325.

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 Cameroon, 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.



