Today in our prayers we remember the people of Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where you are invited to “Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a
Democratic Republic of Congo is in Central Africa. From 1908 to 1960 it was called the Belgian Congo and from 1971 to 1997 it was called Zaire. It is the second largest country in Africa by area.
Scripture Reading—Luke 4:16-19 NRSV
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Prayer for Peace
Wayne Shakespeare
Lord, we call upon you as our Father and our God to be with all humankind.
May your spirit be among us to bring peace to all souls.
We know there is much turmoil in the lives of many of your children.
We know you must grieve as you witness the unrest in many nations and in the lives of individuals.
It is our desire to be peacemakers and be an influence for good in the world and for this cause.
Grant us the patience and wisdom as we think upon this goal of peace for all.
We know the task is enormous and we need your spirit to be with us to lead and guide our thoughts and actions.
Let us be coworkers in this endeavor and we give our thanks to you.
These things we pray. Amen.
Hymn
“Companion of the Poor”
Community of Christ Sings 296
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 Democratic Republic of Congo, 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.