Guyana — 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 Guyana, a nation in South America on the North Atlantic Coast. Guyana is the only South American nation with English as the official language.

Scripture Reading—Mark 12:28-31 NRSV

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Prayer for Peace

Jeri Shumate

Divine origin of life, by your hand we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Through you we are fashioned as emotional, passionate beings. By you we know joy and sorrow.

Sometimes, God, our emotions cause intense and profound pain. Something or someone wounds us, and we feel our hearts tearing in anguish. The pain is so great we close ourselves off, desperate to keep from pouring our hearts out of the hole that is our pain.

Carry us in these hours of darkness, O God, so that we may grant ourselves time to heal our wounds. Sustain us so that we will risk staying open for as long as it takes to clean all the poison out of our souls. Guide us to healers and friends who will support us as we return to emotional balance and health.

Remind us that when we face and own the complete depths of our anger, sorrow, and bitterness, we make ourselves available to the sweetest and most ecstatic of emotions—joy, hope, and love.

As you guide and sustain us, O God, we will learn the peace and freshness of emotional well-being. Through Christ’s love.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Can We Calculate Our Giving” number 617 in Community of Christ Sings. Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text.

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 Guyana, 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.