Today in our prayers we remember the people of Rwanda.
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a
Rwanda is in East Africa. This landlocked country, with a green, mountainous landscape, is renowned for Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Scripture Reading—Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10-11 NRSV
If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be. Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.”
Prayer for Peace
Thelma Shakespeare
Our Father who art in heaven,
We are thankful for the many blessings in our past, that allow us to know your love, and that bring us closer to you. Also, for those times when you have directed our paths so that we could bring peace and joy to others.
We pray for peace in our lives and live so that we demonstrate that desire. Direct our thoughts and actions so that others will see that quality in us and join in bringing about peace for individuals, in family situations, and in communities where we live.
Help us to have the courage to face injustices in our world and the knowledge and power to thwart those injustices when we see them occur. May we study and prepare ourselves to help those who need our service.
Lord, we desire to minister to our family, our friends and those in our neighborhood with whom we share our lives. May we reach out the hand of fellowship to the lonely, the disadvantaged, the weak, the oppressed and the unlovable, and be a friend and help them to find our friend, Jesus.
We have been taught to be humble and full of love. But strengthen us so that when adversity comes we can stand for that which is right. Inspire our minds that we may know the way to go and not stumble and fall when we are striving to do your will.
Keep us always in your care and in the arms of your love. Amen.
Hymn
“We Are a Family of Faith”
Community of Christ Sings 350
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 will begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.
You are invited to join in prayer and meditation as you close your eyes and imagine yourself held in God’s loving hands. Be aware of your current needs, known to you and the one who calls you by your name.
Pause.
God of my life, may I receive your love, peace, and healing.
Pause.
Imagine someone who is close to you being held in God’s loving hands. Perhaps this person is a good friend or someone with whom you are struggling.
God of relationships, may this person receive your love, peace, and healing.
Pause.
Envision all the people of the world, every nation and tribe, every town and village. Imagine those that live in oneness, as well as those ravaged by war and violence.
God of all peoples, may these communities receive your love, peace, and healing. We remember all nations, including Rwanda, the country we pray for today.
Pause.
Behold all that God has created. See the beauty of the Earth. Recognize the brokenness and destruction we have caused. Imagine all the beauty and the damage held in God’s loving hands.
God of creation, may this planet receive your love, peace, and healing.
Pause.
May this spirit of peace and compassion for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth remain alive in us this day. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Sending Forth
Take the peace you have found today in this sacred space with you into the world—renewed and inspired to act.
Go in peace.