Moldova — 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 Moldova, a nation in Eastern Europe bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, south, and east. Moldova is, per capita, the poorest country in Europe.

Scripture Reading— 2 Timothy 2:22 NRSV

Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Prayer for Peace

Bruce Lindgren

Our loving God, we pause at this quiet time to offer a prayer for peace. During this Advent season, we are particularly grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He came into a world of conflict, hatred, and distrust to sow seeds of peace and justice. Through him, your gospel of peace and redemption became flesh, lived out in the life of one who was like us, yet also divine.

We are aware of injustice and oppression in our world, leading to a lack of peace, a hungering and thirsting for peace. We ask for your loving presence to redeem moments of violence, oppression, and injustice. May we find the seeds of peace that you have placed into our most difficult moments and situations.

We are also aware that we are often not at peace within ourselves. May our lives be directed more fully toward you. May we be guided by your Spirit, and may we be at peace as we move through a world that seems to be in so much need.

We ask your blessing on all the peoples of the earth today. May we all be agents and recipients of your peace. This is our prayer, O God, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 395 in Community of Christ Sings, “People, Look East.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 395.

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, ultimately, the planet.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites you into his presence and his peace. Please allow yourself to breathe deeply and envision yourself in his all-embracing light as we share the prayers of the people.

Pause.

Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world; breathe your spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.

Pause.

Illuminating One, as we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors become aware of your light that emanates from within them as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace.

Pause.

Light of the world, extend ever-increasing brightness within this circle of self and friends to those who live all around the world. We remember all nations, including Moldova, the country we pray for today. In places of darkness and hopelessness, may rays of your saving light break through and provide the way to hope and peace.

Pause.

Holy One, who created darkness and light, bless all your creation with the energy your light produces. Continue to sustain all forms of life—seen and unseen, for the welfare of your beloved creation. May the entire Earth be at peace.

Pause.

May the One who spoke light into darkness and substance out of the void hear our prayers. May the circle of light in which we live be enlarged to encompass all that was, and is, and is to be. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

As we depart in joy,

Confront injustices,

Be part of transformations toward peace, and

Generate hope for the world.

Go in peace.



