France — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b.

Today in our prayers we remember the people of France, a nation in western Europe plus several overseas regions and territories. French Guiana on the South American continent and several island territories in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans are included in the French territories. France has a large number of decorated caves from the upper Palaeolithic era, including one of the most famous and best preserved from approximately 18,000 BC.

Scripture Reading— Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Prayer for Peace

Leslie Wicksey

Dear Father in heaven,

We praise your name for blessing us in our lives, for friends, and those who have changed our lives. We pray that we have made a difference in the lives of others. Hopefully, you have been revealed in us.

Turn our hearts to you that we may do better in helping our neighbors to see the vision you have for humankind. Tune our hearts to be vessels of your peace, and may we share peace wherever we trod.

We know we will never fully understand why events happen that hamper the picture of humanity we see around us. Equip us to be slow to fill with anger and set our hearts with patient understanding.

Lord, we long for the day when all persons will bow before you and lay down all weapons formed. It will be a glorious day when all will see you face to face.

Direct our thinking to your ways. May our path be ever lighted by you. Equip us to be doers of peace through example, even as Jesus lived a life of peace. Shape us to be clean vessels, free of the trivial pursuits of this world. Bless us in all we say and do such that our lives will reflect you continually.

We praise you for blessing us with your son to show the way that leads to you. Keep us in his footsteps. We rejoice, this day, that we can shape our world to honor your ways. Guide us in the path we should walk daily. Fill us with your peace. We pray in Jesus' glorious name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Dear God, Embracing Humankind” number 194 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, ultimately, the planet.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites you into his presence and his peace. Please allow yourself to breathe deeply and envision yourself in his all-embracing light as we share the prayers of the people.

Pause.

Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world; breathe your spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.

Pause.

Illuminating One, as we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors become aware of your light that emanates from within them as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace.

Pause.

Light of the world, extend ever-increasing brightness within this circle of self and friends to those who live all around the world. We remember all nations, including France, the country we pray for today. In places of darkness and hopelessness, may rays of your saving light break through and provide the way to hope and peace.

Pause.

Holy One, who created darkness and light, bless all your creation with the energy your light produces. Continue to sustain all forms of life—seen and unseen, for the welfare of your beloved creation. May the entire Earth be at peace.

Pause.

May the One who spoke light into darkness and substance out of the void hear our prayers. May the circle of light in which we live be enlarged to encompass all that was, and is, and is to be. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

As we depart in joy,

Confront injustices,

Be part of transformations toward peace, and

Generate hope for the world.

Go in peace.