Paraguay
Today in our prayers we remember the people of Paraguay.
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be stilled, and it calls you once again to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b
Paraguay is in central South America, bordering Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia.
Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5
The temple shall be dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit. It shall also be for a strengthening of faith and preparation for witness. By its ministries and attitude of wholeness of body, mind, and spirit as a desirable end toward which to strive will be fostered. It shall be the means for providing leadership education for priesthood and member. And it shall be a place in which the essential meaning of the Restoration as healing and redeeming agent is given new life and understanding, inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of Israel.
Prayer for Peace
Evalina L. Gustin
Our most loving and merciful God; we join our hearts in prayer seeking to know you better, seeking to know our talents and potentials as we answer your call. We know in joining our lives and talents we serve your purpose in spiritual strengths which come from you. We ask you to help us realize ways to represent and bring your peace in troubled people’s lives and to the world you have made so beautiful. Feed us spiritually and challenge us to live fully as we go forth. Lead us God, in the name of your son, Jesus the Christ, who gave totally for our sakes. Amen.
Hymn
“Kyrie Eleison”
Community of Christ Sings 184
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 Paraguay, 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.