Today in our prayers we remember the people of Guyana.

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this time of prayer. The Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. …[and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Guyana is in South America on the North Atlantic coast. Guyana is the only South American nation with English as the official language.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 51:10-13 NRSV

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

  and put a new and right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

  and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

  and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

  and sinners will return to you.

Prayer for Peace

Rich Baldwin

Oh Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the Earth.

Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Adonai, Yeshua, Mashia, Jesus.

We come in your name seeking the blessing of shalom.

You are One–make us one—with you—with one another.

Grace our gathering with your divine presence.

Teach us to be still—to know.

Teach us to listen—to hear the still small voice.

We come stained, bruised, broken—wash us with living water.

We come hungry, thirsty—fill us with living bread—new wine.

Immerse us in the light of your joy—anoint us with the joy of your light.

Make your word flesh once again—dwell within, among us.

As it is in heaven—might it become here on Earth.

Make the lion and the lamb to lie down with the child.

Leaven us throughout your creation—redeem the peaceable kingdom of Zion.

In your name, name above all names—Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

“Now Let Our Hearts within Us Burn”

Community of Christ Sings 658

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 this day begin with ourselves and move outward, in rippling waves to those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, to all of creation. We begin by noticing our breathing. We breathe in spirit and exhale those things that separate us from you, O God. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Please enter into the silence with me as we pray for peace remembering God’s promise to be with us and to work in us. Listen for the sound of the beloved’s voice.

Pause.

God of creation, in the beginning your breath moved over the waters and brought calm and peace to a chaotic world. Breathe into my being this day; bring respite to my frenzied soul. Refresh my frayed sense of self and bring alive my hope for peace through words and actions inspired by your spirit. Breathe on me, breath of God.

Pause.

God of reconciliation, 2,000 years ago you breathed and the word became flesh among us, teaching us the way of forgiveness, mercy, compassion and peace. Breathe into our relationships this day; allow us to enflesh the teachings of your Son within our family, friends, neighbors, and even our encounters with those we do not yet know. Breathe on us, breath of God.

Pause.

God of sacred community, your Holy Spirit seeks to blow through the discord, disruption, and disease of the world to bring healing and wholeness once again. We remember all nations, including Guyana, the country we pray for today. Remind us that many of your children lack the basic needs of life, including freedom, space to grow, and love to support them. Breathe on your people, breath of God.

Pause.

God of all, your planet is gasping for breath, heaving under the pressure and weight of unbridled consumption of resources and greed-driven destruction of your world. The Earth groans from forces of chaos that destroy what we have been given as a gift for all creation. Awaken us to our responsibilities to heal and bring peace to our earthly home. Breathe once again over the waters, skies, land, and all that inhabit them, breath of God.

Pause.

May the awareness of our own breathing connect us to you, O God, and to all that lives because you create it, love it, and call it good. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be blessed this day with frustration at injustice.

To motivate us to work for peace.

Go in peace.