Kazakhstan—map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred time. The “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 Kazakhstan (kä-(ˌ)zäk-ˈstän), a nation in northern Central Asia. Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country.

Scripture Reading—Isaiah 54:10 NRSV

For the mountains may depart

  and the hills be removed,

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,

  and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,

  says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Prayer for Peace

Youth at the British Isles Peace Colloquy, 2018

Gemma, Jaime, Adam, Rene, Eire, Charlotte, Niamh and Carwyn. Submitted by Sandee Gamet

Dear Heavenly Guardian,

Let us spread the peace and joy of God. Let us help those in need and let us be your instruments of peace.

Help us to find peace within, even when our lives are stressful. We promise to take what we have learned and incorporate it into our everyday life.

Help us to give peace to those who are working through hardships. Although our lives may be demanding we know that your love will always be there for us.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” number 166 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 Kazakhstan, 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.

Susan Naylor, snaylor@CofChrist.org, 816-529-3718 (call or text)