Belarus — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space that “stand(s) as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Belarus, a nation in Eastern Europe neighboring Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 4:6-8 NRSV

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!

Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”

You have put gladness in my heart

more than when their grain and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;

for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

Prayer for Peace

Sherry Southland

Our gracious Heavenly Parent, allow us to be sensitive to each other’s inner conflicts. May we be alert to our neighbors when they need an attentive listener. May we listen in a compassionate manner, not in judgement, of those who come to us with their conflicts. May we be available when others call for assistance.

May we, also, be aware of the needs of those who struggle to maintain peace within themselves. Guide them as they reach out to people who have difficulty believing that peace can be achieved. Give them the strength they need to carry on this mighty work.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Soften My Heart” number 187 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 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 Belarus, 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.

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