Jordan — 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 Jordan, located in Western Asia on the East Bank of the Jordan River. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Palestine and the Dead and Red Seas. It is located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe.

Scripture Reading— Micah 5:2, 4, 5a NRSV

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,

who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to rule in Israel,

whose origin is from of old,

from ancient days.

…

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth;

and he shall be the one of peace.

Prayer for Peace

Lyle Anderson II

Holy One of Wind and Rain,

We gather this day to pray in sacred space, within the spiral of this house of prayer for all people, and around the globe. We pray for peace, healing, and empowerment. Empowerment to go forth and live the peace of Christ, to be the peace of Christ, even in those places and situations where peace seems so foreign, so far away, so impossible...

We pray for the healing of our sisters and brothers, of all ages, of all lands and isles of the sea, and of no land. We pray and seek healing and restoration between each one of us. Healing of our souls, healing of our relationships, healing of our drive and dedication toward the eternal call of peace, justice, love….

We pray here and around the globe knowing we are broken, knowing we have stumbled. We pray for forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. We pray in community. We pray alone. We pray silently, and with loud thundering voices. We pray...

We come to you, O Holy One of healing and love, to allow the winds of justice and peace to flow through us, to allow your cleansing rain to clean and heal us. To give us new life and quench our thirst, so we may go forth from this sacred space, and not just proclaim the peace of Christ, but to live it, to become it. Help us, O Holy One of Grace and Peace, to be who you call us to be in this world. Help us have the strength and courage to be a people of temple, a people of restoration, a people of peace. Help us be open to all of your creation, help us have the strength and encouragement even in the strongest of storms, within and without, to speak truth to power, to stand up for those whose voices are silenced, to allow ourselves to feel your healing grace as we seek to pour it out to others.

Let us be agents of your peace, let us find and not be afraid to travel the muddy paths, in and after a storm, that lead to a healed and whole creation. Open our eyes to the beauty and wonder of your creation, along with the pain and suffering. Let us not be afraid to be community that embraces all, community that strives, seeks, lives, grows to bring about peace, healing, and reconciliation with ourselves, others, the Holy and all of creation.

In Christ’s peace and name, we come to you O Holy One,

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 434 in Community of Christ Sings, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 434.

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 context for our Prayers of the People begin with ourselves and move outward, in rippling waves to those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, to all of creation.

Will you join with me in this time of prayer and meditation acknowledging your soul’s yearning for God’s presence and peace? Silently join your heart with God’s.

Pause.

O God of love, grant us your peace. We struggle with insecurities and fears, weighed down with issues that affect our sense of worth and wholeness. Grant us peace that calms the inner turmoil of our souls and affirms that we are beloved.

Pause.

O God of life, grant us your peace. We strive for relationships that are fair, equitable and filled with compassion, yet we often find ourselves enslaved in conflicts with others, even those we love. Grant us the strength to listen with our hearts first that we may grow in deeper connection with those whom we call friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.

Pause.

O God of hope, grant us your peace. We have grown weary of the sounds of war, violence, oppression and diminishment of men, women and children, yet we fail to heed your urgent invitation to act for justice. Grant us the courage to extend our hands in acts of mercy, service, and peacemaking. We remember all nations, including Jordan, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

O God of all creation, grant us your peace. We understand that we are made of the same substance as all living things, yet fail to grasp your vision of the sacredness of creation. Make us more aware and weave us into oneness. Grant us a glimpse of your love for creation in all its forms and the compassion to act in ways that respect and honor the genius of your universe.

Pause.

O God of peace, we offer ourselves as vessels of your grace and peace, so that from where we stand, waves of your loving presence will emanate to bless your world. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Live simply. Value others.

Honor the Earth. Walk in sacred footsteps.

Go in peace.



