Finland — 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 Finland, a nation in Northern Europe bordering Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Nature’s most spectacular light show, the aurora borealis, can be seen from this beautiful land.

Scripture Reading— Micah 6:6-8 NRSV

“With what shall I come before the Lord,

and bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,

with calves a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

Prayer for Peace

Jana Horner

God of all Creation,

How do we love you and at the same time turn away from you? May each moment of each day call us to turn to you and join in your embrace. From your embrace may we learn to love with fierceness—the fierceness we witness in the life of Jesus. The fierceness that Jesus spoke of in the gospel of Matthew as he taught us to “do unto the least of these”. God, we know we are called each day to be disciples who embrace and care for the least, the lost, the left out. May your ferocity be born anew in our hearts so that we are enabled to put your will and your ways at the center of life. A fierceness that reminds us that even when we fail or fall you are there. A fierceness that says yes Lord, you are there loving us, crying with us, challenging us, and blessing us. A ferocity that will not leave us alone because we are yours. May we live lives of fierceness, building peaceful families, communities, and nations so that all of creation will be filled with peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 620 in Community of Christ Sings, “As Saints of Old.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 620.

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 Finland, 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.



