Nigeria — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred space where you are invited to “Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Nigeria, a nation on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, this country has been referred to as the Giant of Africa due to its large population and economy. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and seventh most-populous country in the world.

Scripture Reading— Luke 2:1-20 NRSV

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Prayer for Peace

Bill Russell

God of love, of peace, and of justice:

We live in a violent world, Lord. Wars between nations and tribes exist all over the world and it must trouble you deeply. We pray for a cessation of hostilities, that differences might be settled through negotiations, through getting to know and empathize with “the other”—who we all too often demonize.

We have treated as less than human people of other religions, other races, other ethnic groups, other gender identification, other tribes. Women are still treated as property in much of the world, and far too often, still, in this country.

We are inspired by the model of Jesus, who saw all persons as persons of worth, and by Joseph Smith, who echoed this message.

May we remember—from the teachings of Jesus, and of Gandhi, and of Dr. King, and of Nelson Mandela—that returning hatred for hatred, violence for violence—only escalates the existence of hatred and violence in the world. Let us respond to hate with love, to violence with non-violence. Help us work to create the peaceable kingdom, Lord.

We ask this in the name of the humble carpenter from Nazareth, whose life and courageous facing of death helped us see what kind of people You would have us be.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 439 in Community of Christ Sings, “As Joseph Lay in Troubled Sleep.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 439.

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 Nigeria, 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.



