Niger — 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 Niger, a nation in Western Africa and named after the Niger River. This arid country is home to neolithic rock art, oasis towns, ancient trade route towns, and a warm and generous people. Unfortunately, due to unstable and insecure conditions, Niger is largely off limits to visitors.

Scripture Reading— Matthew 4:12-23 NRSV

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,

on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

the people who sat in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death

light has dawned.”

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Prayer for Peace

Dorothy Gundling

Dear Heavenly Being,

We have gathered together in this sacred place, with the common bond which is our love for you and for each other. We have bowed our heads in solemn prayer as your spirit has called us to worship. In our worship we are made aware of the great need the world has in this time of trial for many. They go without food. They go without clothing. They go without places to lay down their heads. Many go in fear each day for their lands are torn by war and pestilence. We are aware of their trials, and in this quiet time of prayer, we remember them. We know that there is scripture which promises that no sparrow will fall to the ground without your knowledge. We pray that you will hold those who suffer so greatly in the palm of your hand.

As we pray for those in need, we are aware that many of the trials of life would be halted, were we to experience peace throughout the world. We are aware that your son died with his arms outstretched to embrace the world. We remember he taught us that through the love of God, peace can be a reality.

Thanks be to you, most glorious God, for the revelation of yourself to our poor world. It is with you and through you that we find that which we each hope for...everlasting peace. May we have the faith and the courage to be doers of the word, not hearers only, that all which we do today and forever more will be in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 582 in Community of Christ Sings, “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 582.

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.

Will you pause for the next few moments in the quiet of this sanctuary, away from the worries of the world, to silently add your own thoughts and prayers to the prayers of the people?

Pause.

God of all time and space, I stand waiting for your peace to enter my broken and chaotic soul, just as you wait for me to pause long enough to breathe and simply be. May your peace fill the space that I now create with my breath and my being. Hear my often-impatient cry, “Be with me, O Prince of Peace, and make me whole.”

Pause.

Source of our being, we stand waiting for your peace to enter our broken and chaotic relationships, just as you wait for us to pause long enough to invite you in. May your reconciling presence bring us to a point of apology and forgiveness, of offering and receiving, and unity. Hear our impatient cry, “Be with us, O Prince of Peace, and make us one.”

Pause.

Lord of all Earth’s people, the world stands waiting for your peace to calm the warring nations, to stem the tide of violence we inflict against one another, just as you wait for us to stop the madness long enough to see one another as family. We remember all nations, including Niger, the country we pray for today. May your profound compassion for your children flow within us. Enable us to surrender our hatred and fear and be filled instead with your loving kindness and mercy. Hear our often-impatient cry, “Be with our human family, O Prince of Peace, and make us one.”

Pause.

Creator of all, your creation stands waiting for your healing touch to restore all living things to oneness and wholeness, just as you wait for us to revere what you have given us as a sacred gift. May your generous offering of water, earth, air, and all that has life remind us of our physical and spiritual connection with everything that was, is, and will be. Help us honor our call as stewards of the Earth. Hear our impatient cry, “Be with our Earth, O Prince of Peace. Make all things one.”

Pause.

We ask for this blessing of your peace in and through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Make every breath one of thanksgiving;

Make every deed a channel of justice;

Make every thought a peaceful one;

Go in peace.



