Today in our prayers we remember the people of São Tomé and Príncipe.
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space that “stand(s) as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b
São Tomé and Príncipe is in the Gulf of Guinea off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. The nation consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, about 87 miles apart.
Scripture Reading—1 Samuel 2:1a, 2, 7-8 NRSV
Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory. The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.”
Prayer for Peace
Sherry Southland
Our gracious heavenly parent, allow us to be sensitive to each other’s inner conflicts. May we be alert to our neighbors when they need an attentive listener. May we listen in a compassionate manner, not in judgment, of those who come to us with their conflicts. May we be available when others call for assistance.
May we, also, be aware of the needs of those who struggle to maintain peace within themselves. Guide them as they reach out to people who have difficulty believing that peace can be achieved. Give them the strength they need to carry on this mighty work.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn
“When the Poor Ones”
Community of Christ Sings 290
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 São Tomé and Príncipe, 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.