Vatican City

Good afternoon and welcome on this Palm Sunday, the beginning of Passion Week.  Each day in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray to God for peace in our world.  In addition, each day we pray for a different country. 

Today we will remember the people of the Vatican City in our prayers.  The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world.  Within its medieval and Renaissance walls is a miniature nation in which all executive, legislative and judicial powers reside with the pope.  The Vatican City is home to impressive buildings, Frescoes by Michelangelo and Pinturicchio (in the Sistine Chapel) and a library that contains priceless manuscripts from pre-Christian and Christian eras.  Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the Middle East, terrorism, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization.
Today, as we observe Palm Sunday, let us proclaim, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”  May God guide our worship as we seek the divine mind for us at this time and for this day.

Scripture Reading
— Doctrine and Covenants 163:11

God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace
— Vallie Sooter Kirkwood, Jacksonville Florida

Christ of the palm, we pray for peace...
for red clay earth embracing seed,
for tropical rain forest's canopy,
for redwood's strength to lift up sky
and dandelion's watchful eye...

May they bloom, flower and breathe.
Deep peace to all that's emerald, green.

Christ of the colt, we pray for peace...
for wobbly legs and knobby knees,
for first steps taken joyously,
for elephant's thunderous echoed step
and dainty footprints of spider's web...

May all that share our earth be free.
Deep peace to all on land or sea.

Christ of the people, we pray for peace...
for wrinkled wise and baby fresh,
for tones of skin to bond and mesh,
for hearts that beat to one clear drum,
pulse with shalom, your kingdom come...

May love be spoken in every tongue.
Deep peace to all who wait and long.

Christ of all hope, we pray for peace...
triumphal entries of release,
for branches laid and bridges built,
for living water cleansing guilt,

May Christ be praised, Creator, Son,
Holy Spirit, three in one...

Deep peace of God, welcome!  Amen

Hymn
All Glory, Laud, and Honor - Hymns of the Saints #23

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 welcome you, O God, with joyful hosannas. We are grateful for your presence and your guidance in our lives. Be with us we pray.

The People Pray in Silence

We confess to you our shortcomings. In your compassion forgive our sins and lead us unto your paths of grace.  We now hold up before you our personal concerns and needs.  Hear our petitions, we humbly ask.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for peace among the nations of the world, and in particular we ask your blessing on the people of Vatican City this day. May all persons of all religions be accepted.  May they foster your peace.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the just and equitable use of the resources of your earth. May all peoples be wise partakers of your bounty.  We pray for persons in pursuit of their daily livelihood. May they know peace and be able to joyfully celebrate the present day.

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

Hear our prayer, O God. Today we offer ourselves as instruments of your peace.  Amen.

Sending Forth

We conclude our service today with ministry of music.  You are invited to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of this place for as long as you wish.
As we go forth, may our lives be joyful reflections of Christ’s peace.  Amen.

Ministry of Music