Canada

Daily Prayer
for Peace

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Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Welcome to this sacred place, and we greet you in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus. Thank you for coming to share in this time of prayer with us.  Each day in this Temple, dedicated to the pursuit of peace, we pray to God for peace in our world.  In addition, each day we pray for a different country.

Today we will remember the people of Canada in our prayers.  Located in North America, Canada is a land of vast distances and rich natural resources.  Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border.  Among the foundations of Canada's cultural identity are the traditions of its native peoples.  Arguably the country's most distinctive art is that of the Inuit of the north, particularly their stone and bone sculptures and carvings. Community of Christ has been established in Canada since 1833.

Let us not forget the part we must play in the search for peace in our time and for our day.  We pray to you, Lord God, that you will receive us, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen.

Scripture Reading

Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b

You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness. 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.

Prayer for Peace

by Anne Smith, Independence, Missouri

Our Gracious Lord,

We come before you now with bowed heads and uplifted hearts seeking a path to peace for the inhabitants of this earth.  We know that such a loving God must feel anguish over the massive violence and suffering that exists in the world today.  Each individual is precious to you so we ask for insight and courage as we labor for peace, justice, mercy, and harmony in the lands across this planet.  We pray for the victims of oppression and the hearts of the oppressor, the hungry as well as those who would exploit them, the ill and all who are faced with hopelessness. 

Sometimes the task of building peace is so overwhelming that we just want to give up.  Help us to realize that we can't do everything, but each person can do something.  We have been told in the scriptures, "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up."  (Galatians 6:9).  It is our prayer that we heed this admonition for we know that true peace can be achieved only by trusting, loving, and helping each other. Give us the strength, wisdom, and vision to undertake those tasks which will further the cause of peace.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Hymn

Lord, We Come Before Thee Now— Hymns of the Saints #10

Prayers of the People

Please join us now, praying the Prayers of the People. During the moments of silence, you are invited to pray silently or meditate.

Great God of all nations, races, and creeds, we praise you.  You are our refuge in times of trial and our joy in times of celebration.

The People Pray in Silence

You are the fount of intelligence by which we earn our bread and seek to serve you. We are grateful for the goodness in our lives, and your plan for us all to have peace within ourselves.

The People Pray in Silence

We humbly pray this day for your blessings on the people and the nation of Canada.  Help them to continue to walk and work with the assurance that you are indeed the Master-Builder, and they can count on your sustaining love.

The People Pray in Silence

We would also remember those who hunger and thirst for food, knowledge, friends, shelter, or clothing. Teach us to share what we have received.

The People Pray in Silence

Please use this space to pray for any current concern or event in our community, city, state, nation or world that you feel needs to be held up to God for prayerful consideration. 

The People Pray in Silence

May your truth radiate from this place as we seek to be your people of peace in the world.  Amen.

Sending Forth

We conclude our service today with Ministry of Music.  We invite you to remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for as long as you may wish.

Let us now answer that call of peace that is generated by Jesus the Christ. Go in peace, and the God of peace will bless you.

Ministry of Music