Costa Rica — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. …[and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Costa Rica, a nation in Central America. This beautiful country is one of the most stable, prosperous, and progressive nations in Latin America.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 8:1, 3-4 NRSV

O Lord, our Sovereign,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars that you have established;

what are human beings that you are mindful of them,

mortals that you care for them?

Prayer for Peace

Michael Wright

Dear God who calms the seas,

The storm is here, all around us.

The thunder and lightning were seen,

But the rains came as we slept.

The invisible waters have risen up around our homes.

Unable to see the threat with human eyes,

Increases anxiety and fear.

Our homes we must not leave,

an ark of salvation for us and for them.

It is if we could and can sense the danger,

But were placated by incredibility

– “This won’t happen”, or “this can’t happen”

But, it is happening, as we hear from those the storm effects.

In moments of distress,

We reach out,

Only to find that our human hands,

That we have consecrated to be those of Jesus,

Now threaten others.

Our arms are no longer long enough.

Our hands cannot be used.

Our appendages reaching out to serve,

Embrace,

Gesticulating for help or to save,

Are cut off at the elbow,

Arms cautiously lowered back by our side.

In a time when hands are useless,

Help us to consecrate our voices instead:

Calling out for all we know to social distance.

Calling for governments to protect the most vulnerable during this pandemic:

The elderly,

The poor,

The refugee,

The homeless,

The jailed,

The uninsured,

The laid-off or fired worker,

The abused,

The essential worker and,

The precious healers in our hospitals.

Calling to our neighbors to see if their needs are met,

Calling our brothers and sisters in faith to minister to them.

Calling on Your name to pray for and bless the sick and dying.

Calling for unity in humanity.

Bless those here in worship today,

In this virtual boat where we navigate and row together,

A blessing of presence without touch.

Bless us that anxieties, fears, and doubts will fade away

as your embrace of peace envelopes us,

like a life jacket,

peace that helps us float above the chaos.

May this moment of distance from our normal lives, our families, and friends,

A moment when life necessarily slows down,

As we wait out the storm,

be a moment when we seek You,

the dove with the olive branch,

The promising rainbow in the sky

Which announces coming salvation.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Come and Bring Light” number 287 in Community of Christ Sings. Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text.

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 Costa Rica, 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.