The temple shall be dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the Spirit.

[From Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message and Beliefs, Herald House, 4th Edition, 2012, p. 21]

The Christian journey is a pilgrimage toward shalom: a movement toward wholeness revealed to us in the way of Christ. Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection take us into the intimate center of God and impel us outward into mission to embody wholeness and grace in a suffering world.

Jesus is “the Way.” Jesus is the Christian journey itself, a pilgrimage that culminates in the wayfarer’s arrival in God. The Temple symbolizes God’s summons to pilgrimage. The journey matters. We are a people on a pilgrimage into God and out into God’s world. That is the daily rhythm of discipleship into which we are invited.

As we journey, we covenant to become a “dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:22). We seek to become personally “a sanctuary of Christ’s peace” for the sake of family, friends, congregation, community, denomination, the world, and God’s reign.

We uphold the purpose of restoring God’s shalom by integrating the disciplines of worship, formation, and praxis to bring about transformation.

Prayer Phrase

“For everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4).

Spiritual Practice

Joy of Gratitude

Stand, if possible, with arms outstretched. Imagine God filling your arms with all that you have: family, friends, and possessions. Hold out your arms until they feel tired. Now, bring your arms across your body. Place your hand over your heart and thank God for the abundance that fills your life. Sit for a time aware of that abundance. Then ask God to help you open your heart in gratitude and share freely with others.

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.