Today in our prayers we remember the people of Burundi.
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space that “stand(s) as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b
Burundi is in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa, and bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Scripture Reading—John 14:27 NRSV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Prayer for Peace
Bill Bedwell
Our Father who art in heaven,
Holy is your name,
Holy is the name of your son, our savior.
In this sacred space, built as our humble gift to you, we seek your peace.
Not only peace between nations, we seek peace within all your creation and we seek the peace within our souls.
Lord, this holy space is dedicated to the pursuit of peace. We recognize that your son, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Lord, we ask for an excitation of our souls and total acceptance of the leading of the Holy Spirit within us and for us.
Lord God, it is my desire that I, individually, and we, your children can indeed dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace and the building of your kingdom.
These things we pray in Christ’s holy name. Amen.
Hymn
“My Peace”
Community of Christ Sings 149
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 begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.
Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?
Pause.
Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.
Pause.
Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.
Pause.
Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including Burundi, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.
Pause.
Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.
Pause.
May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Sending Forth
Be witnesses of hope,
Shed tears for injustice, and
Make a difference in the world.
Go in peace.