By Karin Peter, Council of Presidents of 70

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Joelle Wight and I were in the United Kingdom last October. We had the opportunity to spend time with young adults who were gathering to celebrate the baptism of one of their group.

Young adults gathering isn’t new or out of the ordinary. But what captured our attention was the commitment they had toward each other, and the way they practiced hospitality and inclusion. First, they were intentionally present. Whether talking with us or each other, they gave their full attention and offered their best selves.

Second, they were intensely involved in each other’s lives, but not to the exclusion of those who were new, or whom they did not know well.

Third, they offered an abundance of hospitality. At the young adult gathering before the baptism, the parents of the person being baptized had come in. It was obvious they did not know everyone. Before any “older adult” could rise and go engage them in conversation, several young adults introduced themselves, directed them to the kitchen for lunch, and engaged them in conversation throughout our time together.

Later at the baptismal service, Tom, who was baptized, shared his testimony of how meaningful it had been to be welcomed into authentic friendship by the young adults in the mission center, and how instrumental that had been on his journey and in his decision to be baptized.

Again, this is nothing new or out of the ordinary, except that it was a profound experience of invitational, inclusive, community in action.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.