Today in our prayers we remember the people of Switzerland.
Invitation
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
Switzerland is in west-central Europe and bordered by Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It is a mountainous country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps.
Scripture Reading – Ephesians 2:14-16
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.
Prayer for Peace
William Rounds
God of all nations,
Your divine Son, in his Sermon on the Mount, has promised “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” We seek to be worthy of such kinship by our continuing efforts to promote peace in the world on every level.
Teach us how to live peacefully, even when doing so may cost us national and religious pride. Help us find joy in brotherhood and sisterhoods with all races and creed. We must do no less if we are to be worthy of being your children.
May our desire for a peaceful world be passed on to our children, and may they build that peaceful world on the foundation which we lay.
Help us to be peacemakers and peacekeepers, we pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. 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 Prayers of the People this day begin with ourselves and then, enlarging life’s circle, move outward to include those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, and to all of creation.
Please join with me in today’s prayer and meditation; quiet your breathing and embrace God’s eternal grace as you become aware of your own responses to the guided prayers of the people.
Pause.
God, you are the still point of the circle within which all creation is found. I yearn to connect with your spirit of peace and experience the companionship of your presence in this moment. May I abide in the center of creation’s circle with you?
Pause.
Creator of horizons, help us draw the circle wider to include those I know and love, and even those I struggle to understand and accept. Fill this circle with the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and peace. Give us the desire to include all whose paths cross ours into a place where acceptance is offered freely. Draw our circle wider.
Pause.
Giver of dreams, let the peace we’ve dreamed of expand to embrace all your children. We remember all nations, including Switzerland, the country we pray for today. Within this circle may we see the other as brother and sister, and act as mutual stewards of one another. You call us to live without borders that exclude. Help us to draw the circle wider still.
Pause.
God of all living things, your world longs to be whole and in harmony. The dream of shalom includes caregiving for the water, earth, air and all that has life in one great family. You created us with interdependencies. Give us mutual respect and tender care for all. Let this be our song: Nothing on your created Earth stands alone, but lives in shalom with all other living things. Draw the circle wide open.
Pause.
Architect of life and peace, may we be blessed by your vision of shalom this day. May our minds, hearts, and spirits be wide enough for all to find a home. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s shalom. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Sending Forth
May blessings of peace
Be realized today
Through the Source, Savior, and Spirit.
Go in peace.