Mauritania — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace where “God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Mauritania, a nation in western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 90 percent of Mauritania’s land is within the Sahara; consequently, the population is concentrated in the south.

Scripture Reading— Psalm 122:6-9 NRSV

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

“May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls,

and security within your towers.”

For the sake of my relatives and friends

I will say, “Peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek your good.

Prayer for Peace

Jane M. Gardner

O God,

In this Advent season, we revel in the blessing of being able to meet in sacred space to pursue peace. It is good to pray together in the house of the Lord. We yearn to fill the whole world with the sounds of the peace of Jesus Christ.

We wait expectantly to experience again the wonder of beholding:

Behold a virgin shall conceive…

Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy…

Behold my servant whom I have chosen…

Behold the Lamb of God…

Behold my hands and my feet…

Behold I tell you a mystery…

Behold I stand at the door and knock…

We have learned to expect you, mighty God, in the most unlikely places:

a baby in a stable;

seeking solace and Spirit in the desert;

in rough waters;

among fishermen, tax collectors, and prostitutes;

with the sick and dying;

even in an empty tomb.

We would like to claim that we are basically good people who have paid attention to your presence and become peacemakers and laborers for justice. We ask for early Christmas insights. Give us honesty about ourselves and what we are doing with your world. May our prayers this evening come from the dark corners of our lives as a surrendering of sin and an emptying of ourselves for sacred purposes. Forgive us our trespasses. Open us to behold the Holy Days that stretch in front of us toward the dawn of your salvation.

We lift our voices in praise, confession, proclamation, and commitment as those who would, once more, make space in our hearts for the Advent of your Son, the Prince of Peace. In whose name we pray and sing. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 73 in Community of Christ Sings, “As We Gather.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 73.

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 the planet.

Allow yourself to come reverently into the presence of the Divine and please join with me in prayer. Transformative encounters await you here with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler.

Pause.

Creator God, cleanse our hearts. Accept the confession of our flaws and failures, and make us whole. Transform us, O God, into the persons of peace and grace you created us to be.

Pause.

Redeeming God, bring to our awareness those persons and relationships that are broken, and make us conscious of the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Transform us for relationships of wholeness once again.

Pause.

Saving God, allow us to feel your love and concern for your children in communities around the world, far and near. We remember all nations, including Mauritania, the country we pray for today. May we weep with your tears and act with compassion to heal those who are suffering.

Pause.

God of all creation, stir within us a deep connection with everything you have created; make us aware of the sacred nature of all that surrounds us and lead us into deep reverence that cultivates nurturing actions.

Pause.

May these prayers of concern, compassion, and transformation for ourselves, others, all people, and the Earth lead us into a world shaped by your unconditional love, O God. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Cherish inner peace. Honor relationships.

Become communities of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Go in peace.



