Today in our prayers we remember the people of Andorra.
Invitation
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this time of prayer. The “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a
Andorra is between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra is a tiny, independent principality; the sixth-smallest nation in Europe. It was created under a charter in 988.
Scripture Reading – Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Prayer for Peace
Natalie Kent
(Written at age 16)
God of the Earth:
Why is there so much anger in the world? Why is there so much hatred and frustration and war? Why? Why? Why?
We ask these questions many times and maybe the only answer we can come up with is that this is life and that we can’t change it. But we can. There must be a reason why life and people can be so cruel.
Help us take the time to discover the reason and solve the problems so that harmony can return.
God, help us listen. We know we cannot fix the problems of everyone, but help us heal the wounds of those who touch our lives.
Help us look beyond our own lives and step into another’s shoes. Help us listen with our advising to support them as they find the right avenues of ministry.
Help us do something now, before the world forgets that you are God.
Help us talk with others, listen to others, and heal others. Help us start afresh.
Amen.
Hymn
Choose a favorite hymn of peace and justice.
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 context for our Prayers of the People 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.
Will you join with me in this time of prayer and meditation acknowledging your soul’s yearning for God’s presence and peace? Silently join your heart with God’s.
Pause.
O God of love, grant us your peace. We struggle with insecurities and fears, weighed down with issues that affect our sense of worth and wholeness. Grant us peace that calms the inner turmoil of our souls and affirms that we are beloved.
Pause.
O God of life, grant us your peace. We strive for relationships that are fair, equitable and filled with compassion, yet we often find ourselves enslaved in conflicts with others, even those we love. Grant us the strength to listen with our hearts first that we may grow in deeper connection with those whom we call friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.
Pause.
O God of hope, grant us your peace. We have grown weary of the sounds of war, violence, oppression and diminishment of men, women and children, yet we fail to heed your urgent invitation to act for justice. Grant us the courage to extend our hands in acts of mercy, service, and peacemaking. We remember all nations, including Andorra, the country we pray for today.
Pause.
O God of all creation, grant us your peace. We understand that we are made of the same substance as all living things, yet fail to grasp your vision of the sacredness of creation. Make us more aware and weave us into oneness. Grant us a glimpse of your love for creation in all its forms and the compassion to act in ways that respect and honor the genius of your universe.
Pause.
O God of peace, we offer ourselves as vessels of your grace and peace, so that from where we stand, waves of your loving presence will emanate to bless your world. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Sending Forth
Live simply. Value others.
Honor the Earth. Walk in sacred footsteps.
Go in peace.