Cape Verde — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Cape Verde, an island nation off the northwest coast of Africa. It spans an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean.

Scripture Reading— James 3:13, 17-18 NRSV

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

Prayer for Peace

Laura Herdman

O Holy God, Giver of Perfect Peace,

We come to you in a season of praise and celebration for the gift of your Son and for the peace his life brings in our daily living. How marvelous is the blessing of his birth! Your gift came to the world and comes to us because of your compassionate, caring spirit.

Forgive us for recent frenzy of activities, which often distracted us from connecting with you during Christmastime. We now take this moment to reflect upon the cost you paid in order for us to receive. Surely, loneliness was yours while he was absent from your side. He was your only Begotten Son, your comrade, your heartbeat. Was each day in those 33 years of his absence counted by you as a thousand years? Did the angelic choirs cease singing; their lips silent and heads bowed in grief? Did the heavenly sunlight dim to dusk?

We cannot begin to fathom the heartache you experienced. But we thank you for bearing this pain; for your Son illuminates our pathway back to you. And we know that as we do peace in our relationships, we are transferring this heavenly light and fulfilling our purpose of being here on Earth. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and our dedication to be peacemakers as we go forth into the world, bearing the glad tidings of great joy.

In the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 397 in Community of Christ Sings, “God Almighty, We Are Waiting.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 397.

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 Cape Verde, 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.