Transformative encounters with the eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.
[Excerpted from “Spiritual Communities Are People Deciding Peacefully” by President Stephen M. Veazey, Mar/Apr 2022 Herald, p. 36]
Fallen humanity continually creates divisions of fear, discrimination, and inequality. Redeemed humanity creates sacred community locally and globally that offers healing, peace, and hope for the world.
This sacred community far exceeds what we normally associate with “community.” It is more than a social or special interest group. According to 1 John 4:7–21, sacred community is rooted deeply in God’s love, defined in character and action by Jesus Christ, the peaceful One, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. When people experience sacred community, they feel the love of God, encounter the peace of Jesus Christ, and receive the welcoming invitation of the Holy Spirit as never before. Involvement in sacred community changes, heals, and redeems lives.
Community of Christ is evidence of God’s continuing work through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to bring sacred community into existence. From the start of this faith movement, living the principle of the gospel in local and global community has been at the center of our purpose.
The cause of Zion is how we strive to live that vision. It is at the heart of who we are even as we grow in our understanding and expression of it. Growing in sacred community compels us to expand our circles of love, concern, understanding, and action. It motivates us to interact in new ways. This growth is sometimes difficult, but the vision of Zion urges us forward.
Prayer Phrase
“For by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8).
Spiritual Practice
The Jesus Prayer of Mercy
The Jesus Prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy. The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him. Silently enter prayer and let your breath become slow and even. Greet God and then take up the prayer phrase: Lord, Jesus Christ (as you breathe in) … have mercy on me (as you breathe out). Prayerfully repeat these words for several minutes (or forty times). Breathe the presence of Christ into your mind, heart, and body. Be transformed as you receive the compassionate, peaceful heart of Jesus.
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.