Chad — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

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

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Chad, a nation in northern Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest and Niger to the west.

Scripture Reading—Matthew 24:36-44 NRSV

“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

Prayer for Peace

Kate McIlhagga

Now is the time of watching and waiting

A time pregnant with hope

A time to watch and pray.

Christ our Advent hope,

Remind us to prepare for your coming;

Remind us to prepare for this time

When the soles of your feet touch the ground,

When you will become one of us

To be a one with us.

May we watch for the signs,

Listen for the messengers,

Wait for the good news to slip

Into our world, our lives.

Christ our Advent hope,

Help us to clear the way for you;

To clear the clutter from our minds,

To sift the silt from our hearts,

To move the boulders that prevents us meeting you.

May sorrow take flight,

And your people sing a song of peace

And hope be born again.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 401 in Community of Christ Sings, “View the Present through the Promise.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 401.

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 will begin with individuals and groups, then move out from this Temple of peace to include the human family and the planet.

You are invited to join in prayer and meditation as you close your eyes and imagine yourself held in God’s loving hands. Be aware of your current needs, known to you and the one who calls you by your name.

Pause.

God of my life, may I receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Imagine someone who is close to you being held in God’s loving hands. Perhaps this person is a good friend or someone with whom you are struggling.

God of relationships, may this person receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

Envision all the people of the world, every nation and tribe, every town and village. Imagine those that live in oneness, as well as those ravaged by war and violence.

God of all peoples, may these communities receive your love, peace, and healing. We remember all nations, including Chad, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

Behold all that God has created. See the beauty of the Earth. Recognize the brokenness and destruction we have caused. Imagine all the beauty and the damage held in God’s loving hands.

God of creation, may this planet receive your love, peace, and healing.

Pause.

May this spirit of peace and compassion for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth remain alive in us this day. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Take the peace you have found today in this sacred space with you into the world—renewed and inspired to act.

Go in peace.