Chile—map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Chile, a nation on a long, narrow strip of land along the west coast of South America. This beautiful country has great mineral wealth in copper, forests, grazing lands, volcanoes, lakes, as well as fjords, canals, and islands.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 151:9

You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.

Prayer for Peace

Lu Mountenay

 Creator God,

We pray each day, in our familiar way

for your peace in our world.

It may not be so easy to pray

for our peace in your world.

For truly the world is yours.

For truly peace is ours—to make or break.

You have ordained us to steward this Earth

            You have charged us with discipleship

                        You have called us to follow

You have given us a vision, a mission, a goal

            an opportunity to be peacefully whole,

given us the embodiment of shalom,

            transforming grace, a purpose, a home,

a window, a key, a door

            A plan and a path… yet, we ask more

Peace is so big, so daunting, so vast,

            a challenging, yet awesome task

and yet peace is small, so hard to find

            Are we careless, are we blind?

Pursue, search, lead, follow,

              dig deep, be real, not mundane or hollow

Study, work for, find peace we must

We look to Christ, we reach, we trust

In your world, God,

Christ’s peace is ours to share.

Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with…

the very next thing I do.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Sacred the Body,” No. 140 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 the planet.

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including Chile, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be witnesses of hope,

Shed tears for injustice, and

Make a difference in the world.

Go in peace.