India — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space that “stand(s) as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of India, a nation in South Asia and sharing borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Scripture Reading—John 20:19-20 NRSV

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Prayer for Peace

Donald Lents

O Lord grant this day, light to the minds that hunger for truth and peace. Grant us, in this sanctuary, the ability to unlock the secret of your presence. We desire your love for us. We express our thanks for the assurance of your knowledge of us and your acceptance of us as we are.

Our need and desire is to discover your ways of peace. We are thankful for the ability you have given us to be of assistance in the peacemaking process. Help us individually and collectively to be steadfast in your pursuit of peace and not to swerve from these steps in being helpful.

Thank you for the faith that sustains your children. We are grateful for the hope which inspires us and for the light you provide for us in our daily walk.

In response to these blessings and, in our better moments, we desperately desire to be involved in establishing personal community and world peace for all your children.

It is our prayer that each of us, not only in this gathering, but in the world, will keep our hearts and minds open to be challenged and satisfied with our goals and commitments toward peaceful living and solutions in all of life’s aspects.

Through our efforts we pray for the ability to experience the blessing of your presence and then share this assurance with others in our mutual desires for peace and security.

Unrest, stress, and turmoil are a part of our world every day. Despite this, help us see beyond to the more serene and pleasant aspects of life. In doing so, we will be drawn into rich fellowship and closeness to your divine power and love. As we move into this environment help us in the spirit and desire for outreach to share with many others in various walks of life who are also working for peace and justice.

As we work together, help us respond to your words of counsel and together strive to be successful in making this a more peaceful world.

This we pray in the holy name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 85 in Community of Christ Sings, “Pray to the Lord.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 85.

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 this day 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. We begin by noticing our breathing. We breathe in spirit and exhale those things that separate us from you, O God. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Please enter into the silence with me as we pray for peace remembering God’s promise to be with us and to work in us. Listen for the sound of the beloved’s voice.

Pause.

God of creation, in the beginning your breath moved over the waters and brought calm and peace to a chaotic world. Breathe into my being this day; bring respite to my frenzied soul. Refresh my frayed sense of self and bring alive my hope for peace through words and actions inspired by your spirit. Breathe on me, breath of God.

Pause.

God of reconciliation, 2,000 years ago you breathed and the word became flesh among us, teaching us the way of forgiveness, mercy, compassion and peace. Breathe into our relationships this day; allow us to enflesh the teachings of your Son within our family, friends, neighbors, and even our encounters with those we do not yet know. Breathe on us, breath of God.

Pause.

God of sacred community, your Holy Spirit seeks to blow through the discord, disruption, and disease of the world to bring healing and wholeness once again. We remember all nations, including India, the country we pray for today. Remind us that many of your children lack the basic needs of life, including freedom, space to grow, and love to support them. Breathe on your people, breath of God.

Pause.

God of all, your planet is gasping for breath, heaving under the pressure and weight of unbridled consumption of resources and greed-driven destruction of your world. The Earth groans from forces of chaos that destroy what we have been given as a gift for all creation. Awaken us to our responsibilities to heal and bring peace to our earthly home. Breathe once again over the waters, skies, land, and all that inhabit them, breath of God.

Pause.

May the awareness of our own breathing connect us to you, O God, and to all that lives because you create it, love it, and call it good. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be blessed this day with frustration at injustice.

To motivate us to work for peace.

Go in peace.