France

Invitation

We light the peace candle which symbolizes our commitment to passionately pursue the peace of Christ for all creation.  Welcome to this time of worship and prayer.

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 France in our prayers. The French Republic is located on the west coast of Europe and is the most visited country in the world.  The French enjoy a high standard of living, high public education level and excellent overall healthcare.  High on the current leader’s list of priorities is rebuilding the Franco-American relationship and reinvigorating the French role in Europe.  Community of Christ has a recognized presence in France.

As we recognize our need for Christ’s peace in our own lives, let us also be renewed in our commitment to share the peace of Christ wherever we have the opportunity to impact the lives of others.

Scripture Reading
—Genesis 9:8-11, 16

…God said to Noah…”I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you…never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth…when the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

Prayer for Peace
— Marvin J. Rice, St. Peters, Missouri, USA

O God, our Creator, whose Spirit moved upon the face of creation and declared all things as good; O God, our Sustainer, whose Spirit moves among all the people of the Earth, "and art preserving us from day to day by lending us breath," we humbly approach thy throne at this moment to petition thee.

May that same creating, sustaining Spirit grant us thy peace.

Let the peace of thy Spirit reside in the hearts of people until there is no room for fear or hatred or doubt.

Let the peace of thy Spirit reside in our homes until parents and children, brother and sister are filled with the desire to live in harmony and to uphold the worth of each family member.

Let the peace of thy Spirit live within us so we may become ambassadors of thy peace throughout all the world.

And let the peace of thy Spirit always be abundant in this sanctuary and all places made sacred by your presence of peace.  May it touch the lives and hearts of all who enter, and may they leave with the sure knowledge that God is present in our lives and in our world. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Hymn
Creator God, Creating Still - Hymns of the Saints #190

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.

Gracious God, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving.  As we are together, praying for peace, let us be truly with each other.  Let us be aware of the source of being common to us all and to all living things.

The People Pray in Silence

We come aware of our unworthiness and humbly seek your forgiveness for our sins.  Evoking the presence of the Great Compassion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and towards all living beings.  We pray that all persons realize they are brothers and sisters, all nourished from the same source of life. 

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing the nation and people of France.  May your peace be known in all nations, and may each person be able to call you "God."

The People Pray in Silence

We pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of suffering to each other.  Let each one live in a way which will not deprive other living beings of basic needs and inherent worth as your beloved creation.

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

With humility, we pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth. 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.

May God, our Creator and Redeemer, sustain us as we go forth to serve as instruments of Christ’s peace in all the world.

Ministry of Music