French Polynesia

Invitation

I welcome you to this time of worship and prayer with God’s spirit of love and peace.

Each day in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation and healing of the spirit, we pray for peace and uphold one of the nations of the world.

Today we remember the people of French Polynesia in our prayers.  An archipelago in the South Pacific, the French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century, forming French Polynesia, the most famous and most populous island being Tahiti.  Political life has been marked by great instability regarding independence from France.  The moderately developed economy is dependent upon imported goods, tourism and financial assistance from mainland France.  The Polynesian concept of family is much broader than in the West – extended family members are an important part of each family’s culture.

Today is recognized in the Community of Christ church as Youth Ministries Day.  We are all children of a loving and present God.  We value the worth and giftedness of all persons, of all ages, and seek the peace of Christ for all.

Scripture Reading
—Mark 1:40-41

A leper came to [Jesus] begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.”  Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose.  Be made clean!”

Prayer for Peace
— Anonymous, French Polynesia

My God, as one of your beloved children, and as one who was born and raised on a small island in the middle of the immense Pacific Ocean,

I am blessed by the beauty of your creation.

I feel an inner peace when I smell the perfume of multicolored flowers.

The song of the wind in the trees brings me peace.

I pray, O Lord, that my brothers and sisters may be filled with your peace.

I pray, my Savior, that the entire creation find once again its majesty
I pray, my Father, that humanity become conscious of the sacred nature of your works.

Peace for men, women and children
Peace for the animals in the sky, upon the earth and in the sea
Peace for the flowers, the trees and the plants.

Father I pray in a spirit of peace
In the name of the Prince of Peace
Your beloved Son.
Amen.

Hymn
In Nature’s voice We Hear You, Lord - Hymns of the Saints #441

Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the “Prayers of the People. During the moments of quiet, you are invited to pray silently or meditate.

We come to you in prayer, O God, thankful for the gifts and blessings of life and all creation.  May our lives reflect our gratitude, and may we be wise in the use and sharing of all earth’s resources.

The People Pray in Silence

We seek your forgiveness for times we fall short of being the persons you created us to be.  Bless us with your healing presence and guide us in paths of righteousness and peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing the nation and people of French Polynesia.  Guide them as they seek peaceful resolution to issues that cause conflict.  May all persons know your true and lasting peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We give thanks for the gift of children and the joy of youth.  Guide all young people in recognizing their giftedness and discovering your call in their/our lives.  Guide and bless all who nurture, teach and empower your precious children and youth.

The People Pray in Silence

Please use this space to pray for any current concern or event in our community, city, state, nation or world that you feel needs to be held up to God for prayerful consideration.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sending Forth

Our service concludes with ministry of music, and you are invited to remain in the quiet of this place and pray or meditate as long as you wish.

As children of a loving and present God, let us go into our homes and our communities and share Christ’s message of peace that is for all creation.

Ministry of Music