San Marino — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where you are invited to “Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of San Marino. Officially the Republic of San Marino, the country situated on the Italian Peninsula on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains. Its size is just over 24 square miles (61 km), with a population of almost 34,000.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 55:12 NRSV

For you shall go out in joy,

and be led back in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you

shall burst into song,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Prayer for Peace

Donald Lents

O Lord, Our God, we realize dissension, strife, war and unrest are all about us. However, through these few minutes in this peaceful beautiful place we find our sanctuary.

It is our desire, O Lord, to become people willing to meet head-on, negative activities causing heartache, grief and pain.

May we accept and fulfill principles which will cause us to have a holy concern for our fellow beings. Help us to respond in a fashion that will not be threatening to any segment of society.

May we permit your beauty, love, concern and interest to shine through us individually and collectively as your presence is shared.

Whenever we place our hands into the mechanism of another's life, may we be aware that it is a holy and sacred opportunity and responsibility. We do this in the peacemaking experiences as well as in many other vocations and professions.

Today we join hands and hearts with many disciplines to successfully attain the fulfillment of your counsel and direction.

As moments of discouragement and depression surround us, buoy us up with assurance and enthusiasm.

Accept our gratitude for the many devoted and consecrated individuals striving for a peaceful world. May we truly be a part of this endeavor and find satisfaction and success as we all unite our efforts with your son, the major peacemaker of all times.

We express our thanks and our desires in the spirit of expectation and anticipation that the world will be richer because of our cooperative endeavors.

This is our petition in the name of the great peacemaker, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 240 in Community of Christ Sings, “Light Dawns on a Weary World.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 240.

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 context for our Prayers of the People 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.

Will you join with me in this time of prayer and meditation acknowledging your soul’s yearning for God’s presence and peace? Silently join your heart with God’s.

Pause.

O God of love, grant us your peace. We struggle with insecurities and fears, weighed down with issues that affect our sense of worth and wholeness. Grant us peace that calms the inner turmoil of our souls and affirms that we are beloved.

Pause.

O God of life, grant us your peace. We strive for relationships that are fair, equitable and filled with compassion, yet we often find ourselves enslaved in conflicts with others, even those we love. Grant us the strength to listen with our hearts first that we may grow in deeper connection with those whom we call friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.

Pause.

O God of hope, grant us your peace. We have grown weary of the sounds of war, violence, oppression and diminishment of men, women and children, yet we fail to heed your urgent invitation to act for justice. Grant us the courage to extend our hands in acts of mercy, service, and peacemaking. We remember all nations, including San Marino, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

O God of all creation, grant us your peace. We understand that we are made of the same substance as all living things, yet fail to grasp your vision of the sacredness of creation. Make us more aware and weave us into oneness. Grant us a glimpse of your love for creation in all its forms and the compassion to act in ways that respect and honor the genius of your universe.

Pause.

O God of peace, we offer ourselves as vessels of your grace and peace, so that from where we stand, waves of your loving presence will emanate to bless your world. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Live simply. Value others.

Honor the Earth. Walk in sacred footsteps.

Go in peace.