Belgium — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where you are invited to “Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Belgium, a nation in Western Europe. Belgium shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 26-27 NRSV

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Prayer for Peace

Anonymous

God of Unlimited Possibilities—

We pause and listen…

Pause for a moment of silence.

We listen for the presence of your Spirit in this moment.

We listen for insights on how we might continue to shape our lives and our faith community to respond more completely to your call to share Christ’s peace.

We pause and listen…

Pause for a moment of silence.

We listen for your forgiveness for the times we have fallen short as disciples.

We listen for your encouragement to give us strength for the journey we are on together.

We pause and listen…

Pause for a moment of silence.

We listen for your voice to drown out the voices of our societies that do not reflect our beliefs and enduring principles as a Community of Christ.

We listen for understanding of how we might help Christ’s vision of shalom take form in the places where we live and serve.

We pause and listen…

Pause for a moment of silence.

We listen for your continued revelation for our day and time.

We listen for continued inspiration on how to pursue peace and realize the hope of Zion.

We pause and listen…

Pause for a moment of silence.

We listen with our heart, mind and soul.

We listen, O God of unlimited possibilities … speak to us today.

In the name of the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 153 in Community of Christ Sings, “Listen in the Silence.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 153.

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 Belgium, 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.



