Palau — 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 Palau, a nation in the western Pacific Ocean and part of the Micronesia region.

Scripture Reading—1 Peter 3:13-15 NRSV

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;

Prayer for Peace

Mary Hahn

Lord,

Our world is in chaos. You have given us the freedom to make choices, but God, we don’t want to claim the consequences when we make poor choices. We want our way in everything and then blame others and even blame you, God, when the results are not to our liking.

Help us to grow, Lord: to grow in the way we love, to grow in the way we accept others and to be honest enough with you and ourselves when we make mistakes.

We know that you love us and want only the best for us. Help us to want the best for ourselves. Help us to be courageous and choose the way that creates a loving and good life for others in the process of making ourselves happy.

Lead us to turn away from the easy, selfish, destructive ways that break, tear asunder and deplete the earth; that harms and depreciates other humans and all forms of life with which we share our global space.

Work in our hearts in such a way that we ask ourselves, “When is enough, enough?” Enough stuff, enough food, enough money, enough space. Enlighten us to know the answers so that we might share ourselves in all ways with open ears, open eyes, open heart, and open arms.

You have told us, Father, that we are that we might have joy. We claim that promise today in a new way that peace and harmony will begin to flow though us into the world at large. Hear us, sustain us, and uphold us, as we move out to share your peace and love within the world.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “O for a World” number 379 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 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 Palau, 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.