Iceland — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Iceland, a nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. This Nordic island country is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The island nation is known for its beautiful nature, wonderful food, and inspiring art and culture.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 15 NRSV

O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends,

nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;

in whose eyes the wicked are despised,

but who honor those who fear the Lord;

who stand by their oath even to their hurt;

who do not lend money at interest,

and do not take a bribe against the innocent.

Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Prayer for Peace

Nanette Anderson

God, Creator, Redeemer, Guide;

Today we occupy a unique place in your vast and mighty creation. Somewhere between the grain of sand and the farthest star, between the depths of our sin and the joy of our salvation, between selfishness and love, Lord, we come. Hear our prayer.

We are continually in awe of you, Lord. Surrounded by your Holy Spirit and humbled by your mercy which pours over us daily turning our punishment to forgiveness and our rejection to homecoming. Lord, we are yours and desire to do your will.

We pray for guidance; in our choices, in our actions, in our thoughts. For we know, without the guidance of your Word and your Holy Spirit, our thoughts can be selfish and our actions in vain. God, guide the leaders of the world. Make known to them your will and your way. Give them a wisdom that creates righteous community through just means. Lord, continue to lead our church into paths of truth and peace so your purposes may be fulfilled, and your kingdom may come.

We thank you, Lord, for this Christian community where we are one, where we find fellowship, acceptance, support and love. May you bless our times together with strength for the work that lies ahead. We know, God, that the path we are called to travel is narrow, and often our eyes are dim, and we stumble. May your words be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In Jesus name. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 333 in Community of Christ Sings, “Help Us Accept Each Other.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 333.

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 this day begin with ourselves and then, enlarging life’s circle, move outward to include those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, and to all of creation.

Please join with me in today’s prayer and meditation; quiet your breathing and embrace God’s eternal grace as you become aware of your own responses to the guided prayers of the people.

Pause.

God, you are the still point of the circle within which all creation is found. I yearn to connect with your spirit of peace and experience the companionship of your presence in this moment. May I abide in the center of creation’s circle with you?

Pause.

Creator of horizons, help us draw the circle wider to include those I know and love, and even those I struggle to understand and accept. Fill this circle with the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and peace. Give us the desire to include all whose paths cross ours into a place where acceptance is offered freely. Draw our circle wider.

Pause.

Giver of dreams, let the peace we’ve dreamed of expand to embrace all your children. We remember all nations, including Iceland, the country we pray for today. Within this circle may we see the other as brother and sister, and act as mutual stewards of one another. You call us to live without borders that exclude. Help us to draw the circle wider still.

Pause.

God of all living things, your world longs to be whole and in harmony. The dream of shalom includes caregiving for the water, earth, air and all that has life in one great family. You created us with inter-dependencies. Give us mutual respect and tender care for all. Let this be our song: Nothing on your created Earth stands alone, but lives in shalom with all other living things. Draw the circle wide open.

Pause.

Architect of life and peace, may we be blessed by your vision of shalom this day. May our minds, hearts, and spirits be wide enough for all to find a home. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

May blessings of peace

Be realized today

Through the Source, Savior, and Spirit.

Go in peace.