Grenada — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Grenada, a nation in the southern part of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.

Scripture Reading— Psalm 22:23-24, 26-28, 30-31 NRSV

You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;

stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

For he did not despise or abhor

the affliction of the afflicted;

he did not hide his face from me,

but heard when I cried to him.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied;

those who seek him shall praise the Lord.

May your hearts live forever!

All the ends of the Earth shall remember

and turn to the Lord;

and all the families of the nations

shall worship before him.

For dominion belongs to the Lord,

and he rules over the nations.

Posterity will serve him;

future generations will be told about the Lord,

and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,

saying that he has done it.

Prayer for Peace

Bruce Lindgren

Loving God, we come before you, in the quiet of this place, to offer a prayer for peace in our world. We are aware that there are many forces in our world that attempt to lead us into unnecessary and destructive conflict. We are aware that, even now, uncounted numbers of our fellow human beings are experiencing the horrors of war and oppression. Nations and peoples have chosen to fight with each other rather than to resolve their differences in a peaceful and mutually beneficial fashion, and we do not understand why.

At the same time, we recognize in ourselves the passions and temptations that could lead us into such conflict. In our weaker moments we have chosen to neglect the welfare of others, we have become too easily offended, and we have sat idly by on occasions when we could have been peace makers. We desire peace, but we recognize that we are all too often a part of the problem rather than a part of the solution.

And yet, we recognize that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, into our world for just such a reason. He was himself a victim of violence and prejudice and misunderstanding. He was a victim, and yet he was the Prince of Peace who brought hope and possibility of reconciliation into our world.

May your Spirit teach us, O God, to become more like the Christ. May we learn to have insight to see how we might become workers for peace in your world. May we learn to have the courage required to be your ambassadors of peace in every occasion of conflict. May we learn to have hope in the ultimate victory you have promised through your risen Son.

Be with us and bless us, O God, that we might be disciples of Jesus Christ and ambassadors of peace in your world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 161 in Community of Christ Sings, “In the Quiet of This Day.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 161.

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 Grenada, 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.



