Djibouti — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where we are called to, “above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa. This small country offers diverse landscapes such as salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, canyons, and plateaus.

Scripture Reading— Philippians 4:4-7 NRSV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Prayer for Peace

Esther Steward

God of All Creation:

As individuals coming together in community

As disciples brought together by Jesus Christ

And as people concerned about peace in this world

We ask you, O God of Justice and Peace, to (determine your own need):









































We pray peace will be lived and shared worldwide!

Xanadu—paradise—shalom—the kingdom of God is our goal!

Yoke us together to work diligently as peacemakers, zealously building Zion!

May it be so. In your son’s most holy name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 194 in Community of Christ Sings, “Dear God, Embracing Humankind.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 194.

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 Djibouti, 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.



