Greece — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be stilled, and it calls you once again to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Greece, a nation in southeastern Europe and strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization and consists of nine geographic regions, including two island groups.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 52:6-8 NRSV

Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I.

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,

who brings good news,

who announces salvation,

who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,

together they sing for joy;

for in plain sight they see

the return of the Lord to Zion.

Prayer for Peace

Chuck Williams

Heavenly Father, the creator, the absolute God, the essence of compassion, love and forgiveness. We, as a group, come before you this day. We claim the covenant you made with our father Abraham so many eons ago. We take comfort and refuge in that covenant because you promised to be the God of all nations and peoples.

God, we recognize you are not only among us, but in us. The value of this is only limited by our inability to utilize the full measure of your love, concern, and gentle promptings. Give us direction we pray!

Lord, we find ourselves surrounded by conflict, misunderstanding, and peace seems beyond our grasp. Give us the courage to reconcile, recognize, and respond with determination and love.

Help us to see that you are depending on us to grasp the responsibility of what it means to develop a peaceful kingdom.

As we leave these very special walls, may we go with courage, anticipation, and a rededication to share the good news with our families, friends, and neighbors. Help us to share love and forgiveness.

In the name of the one who taught us to pray, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 263 in Community of Christ Sings, “My Life Flows On in Endless Song.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 263.

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 will begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

You are invited to join in prayer and meditation as you close your eyes and imagine yourself held in God’s loving hands. Be aware of your current needs, known to you and the one who calls you by your name.

Pause.

God of my life, may I receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Imagine someone who is close to you being held in God’s loving hands. Perhaps this person is a good friend or someone with whom you are struggling.

God of relationships, may this person receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Envision all the people of the world, every nation and tribe, every town and village. Imagine those that live in oneness, as well as those ravaged by war and violence.

God of all peoples, may these communities receive your love, peace, and healing. We remember all nations, including Greece, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

Behold all that God has created. See the beauty of the Earth. Recognize the brokenness and destruction we have caused. Imagine all the beauty and the damage held in God’s loving hands.

God of creation, may this planet receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

May this spirit of peace and compassion for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth remain alive in us this day. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Take the peace you have found today in this sacred space with you into the world—renewed and inspired to act.

Go in peace.