Bolivia

Invitation

I welcome you in the name of Jesus Christ and invite you into this time of worship and prayer with God’s spirit of peace.

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

Today we remember the people of Bolivia in our prayers.  Located in Central South America, Bolivia is a mountainous, landlocked country with a multiethnic population of about ten million.  Bolivia has struggled through periods of political instability and economic challenges.  Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.  The large number of different cultures has contributed greatly to a wide diversity in fields such as art, cuisine, literature and music.  Community of Christ has been established in Bolivia since 2002.

We celebrate the beauty in the diversity of all persons and all creation.  As we find unity in Christ and in praying for peace, we affirm the gift and beauty of diversity and seek just and lasting peace for the people of Bolivia, and all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Romans 14:19, INT

Therefore, let us conduct ourselves in ways that lead to peace and mutual growth.

Prayer for Peace
— Pam Robison, Independence, Missouri, USA

We call you many names--
God
Allah
Great Spirit--
and sometimes we forget we are all part of the same family.

We call our homes by different names--
America
Bosnia
Japan
Fiji
and focus on the boundaries that separate us.

Help us to see the world from your perspective--
remind us of the view we have seen from space--
one planet
with divisions only of land - sky - ocean.

Creator--
Our thoughts are on the things that unite us.
Let us not focus on boundaries or divisions.
Help us rejoice in our diversity--
knowing that you have made each of us a unique creation.

Loving Parent--
Draw us closer to you.
Enfold us in your arms.
Grant us the peace of a family united in one goal--
the peaceable kingdom
Long prayed for, Long hoped for.   Amen.

Hymn
We Are One in the Spirit - Hymns of the Saints #466

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.

God of all creation, we give thanks in many languages and express our praise in ways that are meaningful to us as individuals.  Yet we are united in our common desire for peace within and among all persons, and join with brothers and sisters around the world in seeking your guidance as we strive to be people of your peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess that we are less than you created us to be and humbly ask forgiveness.  Help us make responsible choices that will glorify you and promote the well-being of all your children.

The People Pray in Silence

We uphold for your blessing the nation and people of Bolivia.  Fill our hearts with your compassion for all your children.  Grant us courage as we work to eliminate the injustices of poverty and intolerance in our communities and in our world.

The People Pray in Silence

We are saddened by the causes of injustice and seek enlightenment to better understand our responsibility in promoting peace for all creation.  We would not forget the need for peace in ourselves, our families, our nation, and our church.  Hear our concerns, we pray.

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

This day, in response to your call, we offer ourselves as instruments of peace in our world.  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.

United in Christ, let us go forth to share God’s love for all through compassionate service for all.  Amen.

Ministry of Music