Libya — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. …[and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Libya, a nation in North Africa. It is largely a desert, but an oil-rich country with an ancient history and turbulent past.

Scripture Reading— Mosiah 2:24, adapted

And you will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man, according to that which is his due.

Prayer for Peace

Charles Kornman

Eternal and merciful God: our experience teaches us that you really are eternally merciful. This love and kindness constantly surprise us. And the more we encounter you the more surprised and amazed we become.

Yet our amazement is tinged with bewilderment. We see so many innocent ones scarred by evil. We ask, “Why? Why?” only to experience a bewildering silence. And the more I “why” the more bewildered I become.

When I stop my whys and start my “what can I do to help? I find myself moving from bewilderment to commitment.

It is so helpful to not have to explain you. I’m glad I don’t feel that I must justify why you do your god-thing the way you do. I want to be your loving merciful presence here in my world. Maybe that’s part of what the apostle meant when he said, “Christ in you is the hope of glory.”

But I still find “why?” creeping into my soul and your non-answers are as bewildering as ever. Strangely enough I’m discovering that my “why?” cry isn’t a prayer for answers from you but a plea for help as I throw myself into the battle for peace.

I’m beginning to discover that when I let my whys become barriers to my faith then I’m letting my questions become my God. I’m beginning to discover in my search for understanding of how I can serve that there is an incredible faith-building side to your provocative silence. I’d still like to know “why?” but it isn’t nearly as important as it once was. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 616 in Community of Christ Sings, “Brothers and Sisters of Mine.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 616.

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 Libya, 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 interdependencies. 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.



