Today in our prayers we remember the people of The Netherlands.
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
The Netherlands is in Western Europe, with three island territories in the Caribbean.
Scripture Reading—Job 22:21-22, 27a NRSV
“Agree with God, and be at peace;
in this way good will come to you.
Receive instruction from his mouth,
and lay up his words in your heart. You will pray to him, and he will hear you,
and you will pay your vows.
Prayer for Peace
Bill Russell
God of love, of peace, and of justice:
We live in a violent world, Lord. Wars between nations and tribes exist all over the world and it must trouble you deeply. We pray for a cessation of hostilities, that differences might be settled through negotiations, through getting to know and empathize with “the other”—whom we all too often demonize.
We have treated as less than human people of other religions, other races, other ethnic groups, other gender identification, other tribes. Women are still treated as property in much of the world, and far too often, still, in this country.
We are inspired by the model of Jesus, who saw all persons as persons of worth, and by Joseph Smith, who echoed this message.
May we remember—from the teachings of Jesus, and of Gandhi, and of Dr. Martin Luther King, and of Nelson Mandela—that returning hatred for hatred, violence for violence—only escalates the existence of hatred and violence in the world. Let us respond to hate with love, to violence with nonviolence. Help us work to create the peaceable kingdom, Lord.
We ask this in the name of the humble carpenter from Nazareth, whose life and courageous facing of death helped us see what kind of people You would have us be.
Hymn
“We Shall Overcome”
Community of Christ Sings 261
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, ultimately, the planet.
Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites you into his presence and his peace. Please allow yourself to breathe deeply and envision yourself in his all-embracing light as we share the prayers of the people.
Pause.
Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world; breathe your spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.
Pause.
Illuminating One, as we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors become aware of your light that emanates from within them as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace.
Pause.
Light of the world, extend ever-increasing brightness within this circle of self and friends to those who live all around the world. We remember all nations, including The Netherlands, the country we pray for today. In places of darkness and hopelessness, may rays of your saving light break through and provide the way to hope and peace.
Pause.
Holy One, who created darkness and light, bless all your creation with the energy your light produces. Continue to sustain all forms of life—seen and unseen, for the welfare of your beloved creation. May the entire Earth be at peace.
Pause.
May the One who spoke light into darkness and substance out of the void hear our prayers. May the circle of light in which we live be enlarged to encompass all that was, and is, and is to be. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Sending Forth
As we depart in joy,
Confront injustices,
Be part of transformations toward peace, and
Generate hope for the world.
Go in peace.