Today in our prayers we remember the people of New Caledonia.
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where we are called to, “above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b
New Caledonia is east of Australia in the South Pacific.
Scripture Reading—1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 26-27 NRSV
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
Now you are the body of Christ and individual members of it.
Prayer for Peace
Davy Jones
Gracious Lord,
Children cry in the night, and we pretend we don’t hear. The homeless beg on every corner, and we turn a blind eye. Thugs and murders exterminate the innocent in your name, and we rationalize their intent. Mothers weep for their sons and daughters in harm’s way, and we squabble over politics.
God of all, we become so wrapped up in our daily lives; we try to insulate ourselves from the hate, anger and injustice in our world. We forget that Christ’s mission is our mission, and shun the cries for help from the downtrodden.
Creator, guide our hearts toward those in need; help us provide strength to the weak, comfort to the sorrowful, compassion to the fallen, forgiveness to the trespassers. Help us bring the light of peace to a dark and frightened world.
In and through Christ 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.
Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.
Pause.
Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.
Pause.
Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.
Pause.
Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including New Caledonia, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.
Pause.
God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.
Pause.
May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Sending Forth
Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.
Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.
Go in peace.