Samoa — 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 Samoa, located south of the equator, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. The Lapita people discovered and settled the Samoan islands around 3,500 years ago. They developed a unique language and cultural identity.

Scripture Reading—Amos 5:24 NRSV

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Prayer for Peace



Steve Bolie

Peaceful God,

Our prayers for peace express our dreams and hopes and desires for peace to spread in our world. They also, like reflections in a mirror, return to inspire and challenge us, telling us that making peace is the work of the disciple, in other words, our work. So we pray: “Challenge us today.”

Challenge us to recognize Jesus’ teaching and actions as nonviolent rather than looking for excuses and justification for our violent ideas.

Challenge us to think of peace before thoughts of retaliation and confrontation.

Challenge us to a standard of action that is peace-giving rather than impatient or angry.

Challenge us to acceptance and love rather than judgment and rejection.

Challenge us we pray in the name of the nonviolent one, the prince of peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Let Justice Flow Down” number 286 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 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 Samoa, 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.