Tanzania — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be stilled, and it calls you once again to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Tanzania, a nation in Eastern Africa. This large country is home to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, as well as vast wilderness areas.

Scripture Reading—1 Peter 3:10-12 NRSV

“Those who desire life

and desire to see good days,

let them keep their tongues from evil

and their lips from speaking deceit;

let them turn away from evil and do good;

let them seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Prayer for Peace

Jeannine Ward

O God we call to you in love.

As we pause and open our hearts to know you,

Let your love be poured upon us, so we are filled and overflowing.

Help us see that love is often the answer as we seek peace in our homes and families.

Hear our prayer.

O God we call to you in hope.

As we pause and open our minds to know you,

Let our thoughts and worries, sorrows and disappointments be eased.

Affirm in us again that you are our strength and we are never alone because you are our guide.

Hear our prayer.

O God we call to you in joy.

As we pause and open our ears to know you,

Let the sounds around us remind us of the connection and harmony we share with each other.

Listen to the excitement, laughter, and singing as we are being disciples!

Hear our prayer.

O God we call to you in peace.

As we pause and open our hands to know you,

Let us reach out across classrooms and office space, neighbor’s fences and pews to touch another.

Empower us to become a people who strive for dignity and make peace for everyone we meet.

Hear our prayer.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “O Day of Peace” number 380 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 this day begin with ourselves and then, enlarging life’s circle, move outward to include those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, and to all of creation.

Please join with me in today’s prayer and meditation; quiet your breathing and embrace God’s eternal grace as you become aware of your own responses to the guided prayers of the people.

Pause.

God, you are the still point of the circle within which all creation is found. I yearn to connect with your spirit of peace and experience the companionship of your presence in this moment. May I abide in the center of creation’s circle with you?

Pause.

Creator of horizons, help us draw the circle wider to include those I know and love, and even those I struggle to understand and accept. Fill this circle with the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and peace. Give us the desire to include all whose paths cross ours into a place where acceptance is offered freely. Draw our circle wider.

Pause.

Giver of dreams, let the peace we’ve dreamed of expand to embrace all your children. We remember all nations, including Tanzania, the country we pray for today. Within this circle may we see the other as brother and sister, and act as mutual stewards of one another. You call us to live without borders that exclude. Help us to draw the circle wider still.

Pause.

God of all living things, your world longs to be whole and in harmony. The dream of shalom includes caregiving for the water, earth, air and all that has life in one great family. You created us with interdependencies. Give us mutual respect and tender care for all. Let this be our song: Nothing on your created Earth stands alone, but lives in shalom with all other living things. Draw the circle wide open.

Pause.

Architect of life and peace, may we be blessed by your vision of shalom this day. May our minds, hearts, and spirits be wide enough for all to find a home. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

May blessings of peace

Be realized today

Through the Source, Savior, and Spirit.

Go in peace.