Today in our prayers we remember the people of Cyprus.

Invitation

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

Cyprus is on the southern part of the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Known for its beaches, it also hosts wine regions and archaeological sites dating to the 10th millennium BC. Other sites include palaces, tombs, and mosaic-tiled villas. This nation is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean.

Scripture Reading – Ephesians 2:17-19

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.

Prayer for Peace

Jimmy Radliffe

Almighty God of all,

Through the cleansing power of your pardon and love, we seek to serve you.

Help us strengthen our limbs, our wits, our tools and temporal means for this service.

In the face of hate and violence, help us to be the smile of love and the strength of meekness. In the face of physical hunger and helpless thirst for wisdom, may we be tears of compassion, providers of sustenance, and the teachers of your laws.

In the face of hopelessness and apathy, challenge us to joyful demonstration of kingdom living.

Through power of the Prince of Peace, we pray. 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 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 Cyprus, 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.