Andorra — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. …[and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Andorra, located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra is a tiny, independent principality; the sixth-smallest nation in Europe. It was created under a charter in 988.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.

Prayer for Peace

Charles Kornman

Eternal God hear our prayer for peace and healing. You promised to heal us of all our iniquities. I have experienced that healing. You promised to give us peace. I have felt that peace coursing in my blood. Like those disciples of old why do I so stupidly stand behind my own locked doors in fear?

Teach me how to not only want your peace. Teach me how to accept it fully. Teach me how to not only want your healing. Teach me how to not only accept your healing but your ways of doing it.

I stand in broken idols of my pride and long to hear your mercy word: “Peace be with you, my son.” Open my heart, my ears, my eyes to feel, hear, and see your healing word: Peace I give you. Peace I give you. Peace.

You’ve promised it if I will…So I pray that you will melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. May the melodies of peace issue from my mouth. May the structures of peace issue from my hands. May the feelings of peace issue from my heart.

I listen as you speak that one powerful word: Peace. Peace. Peace. I believe that you passionately want me to accept your peace, to live in peace. May it be so. Amen and amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 297 in Community of Christ Sings, “For the Healing of the Nations.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 297.

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.

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including Andorra, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be witnesses of hope,

Shed tears for injustice, and

Make a difference in the world.

Go in peace.



