Romania — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple [that] calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Romania, a nation that borders the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia and Moldova in Southeast Europe. Romania is known for the forested region of Transylvania as well as preserved medieval towns, churches and castles.

Scripture Reading— Mark 12:28-31 NRSV

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Prayer for Peace

Kevin White

Maker of all things,

Giver of life,

Commander of chaos,

Conductor of order,

Source of love,

Our souls sing to experience your fullness,

and tremble in your Being.

Open our eyes to witness your presence in and through all, that we might be in awe of our own existence.

May we be overwhelmed with gratitude, our spirits swollen with the undefinable knowledge of your reality.

As our hearts spill over, unable to contain the knowing, may it fall generously upon others that they too become aware of you.

Help us to see deeply, forgive gracefully, and to love thoroughly.

Guide us to opportunities to be your blessing of peace that heals brokenness and enlightens lives lost to darkness. Empower us with the courage to embrace the insecurities of our world, and be a people of peace.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Can We Calculate Our Giving” number 617 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 Romania, 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.



