Swaziland — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where we are called to, “above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Swaziland, a nation in Southern Africa. It is landlocked, neighbored by Mozambique and South Africa and is one of the smallest countries in Africa. Artifacts indicate human activity dating to the early Stone Age, about 200,000 years ago. Prehistoric rock art paintings dating from 25,000 BC and continuing to the 19th century can be found in this country.

Scripture Reading— Zechariah 8:16 NRSV

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace…

Prayer for Peace

Gina DeBarthe

Dear Lord, help us to listen.

Help us listen to the angry voices, acknowledging their need for justice.

Help us listen to those who are afraid, acknowledging their need for security.

Help us listen to those who despair, acknowledging their need for hope

Help us listen to those who hate, acknowledging their need for love

Help us listen for your voice. May your voice guide us to find your peace within ourselves and within our world.

This is our prayer for peace. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Listen for the Call of God” number 343 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, ultimately, the planet.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites you into his presence and his peace. Please allow yourself to breathe deeply and envision yourself in his all-embracing light as we share the prayers of the people.

Pause.

Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world; breathe your spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.

Pause.

Illuminating One, as we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors become aware of your light that emanates from within them as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace.

Pause.

Light of the world, extend ever-increasing brightness within this circle of self and friends to those who live all around the world. We remember all nations, including Swaziland, the country we pray for today. In places of darkness and hopelessness, may rays of your saving light break through and provide the way to hope and peace.

Pause.

Holy One, who created darkness and light, bless all your creation with the energy your light produces. Continue to sustain all forms of life—seen and unseen, for the welfare of your beloved creation. May the entire Earth be at peace.

Pause.

May the One who spoke light into darkness and substance out of the void hear our prayers. May the circle of light in which we live be enlarged to encompass all that was, and is, and is to be. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

As we depart in joy,

Confront injustices,

Be part of transformations toward peace, and

Generate hope for the world.

Go in peace.