Mauritania — 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 Mauritania, located in western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 90 percent of Mauritania’s land is within the Sahara Desert; consequently, the population is concentrated in the south.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7 NRSV

O come, let us sing to the Lord;

let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

O come, let us worship and bow down,

let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

O that today you would listen to his voice!

Prayer for Peace

Cynthia Morton

Creator and giver of all that is good, may we keep your kingdom’s advent foremost in our minds this day as we pray for peace. We pray not only for peace among the nations but for peace within our homes and in our individual beings.

May we strive for just this day, one hour at a time, to open our hearts to your perfect will so that the hurt we inflict upon ourselves and within our families might be healed.

We pray for a letting go—of anger, hurt, sadness, and disappointment. We pray for a filling of our souls with your joy, spirit, power, and victory.

Heal our broken bodies, our anguished minds, our tear-stained children, our failed marriages, and let us be victorious in you, O mighty God, that we might live with you, in peace. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 3 in Community of Christ Sings, “Many and Great.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 3.

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 Mauritania, 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.