Tonga — 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 Tonga, a nation in the southern Pacific Ocean comprised of 169 islands.

Scripture Reading— Romans 12:1-5 NRSV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

Prayer for Peace

Betty Gurney

Our Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, we come to you this afternoon with praise and thanksgiving for your love for humankind. We feel sadness when we see the suffering of those who do not know peace in their lives and in their countries and know that your sadness is much deeper than our own.

At this time, Heavenly Father, we your people in this place wish to offer a prayer for peace. We pray that where there is hatred, it will be replaced with love; that where there is violence, it will be replaced with compassion; that where there is insecurity, it will be replaced with security; that where there is ignorance, it will be replaced with knowledge; that where there is fear, it will be replaced with peace.

We pray that people will hear your voice and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives to create harmony and security. We pray for peace that begins with each individual and grows and develops and spreads from person to family, from family to community, from community to country and on throughout the world. In places where peace seems a far distant dream we pray that somehow each person involved with another’s well-being will hear your voice and allow your compassion to influence their actions so that even in one small corner some good will be done that will give hope for future peace.

Please be with the leaders of countries that their hearts will be softened to the extent that each person’s freedom will be of primary importance, that each country’s right to freedom will be honored.

We pray that the Christian community will be faithful in prayer, honorable in action, peaceful in attitude and devoted in their commitment to discipleship. Help us to pray as the people in times past have prayed, “I will hear what God, the Lord, will speak; for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints; but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 588 in Community of Christ Sings, “Beloved Community of God.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 588.

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 Tonga, 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.



