Moldova — 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 Moldova, a nation in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, south and east. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe per capita.

Scripture Reading—Ephesians 4:31-32, 5:1-2 NRSV

Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Prayer for Peace

Adapted from a prayer by youth of the Midland Congregation, Midland, Texas

Creator God, thank you for your presence in our celebration of peace. We pray that other groups of people as they gather will feel your acceptance and love. Be with us as we worship and learn of your peace.

Christ, we invite you to walk among the people of this world touching us with love so that we may each have inner peace. May each person have love and togetherness to create a new life of joy and gladness. May each person have peace in their home. We also pray that people would desire to reach out and share your love so that everyone would feel the peace you bring.

Peaceful Spirit, we offer a prayer of peace for all countries. We pray that happiness could be in each person’s heart and that there could be harmony throughout the world. We pray that leaders everywhere will be open to your guiding hand and lead your people in righteousness. Please help us all in making good decisions involving the use of nature’s resources so we can all experience inner peace and harmony with your creation.

May we all experience the blessings of your peace. Shalom. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Holy Spirit, Teacher, Friend” number 181 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 begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.

Pause.

Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.

Pause.

Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.

Pause.

Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including Moldova, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.

Pause.

God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.

Pause.

May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.

Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Go in peace.

Susan Naylor, snaylor@CofChrist.org, 816-529-3718 (call or text)