United Arab Emirates — 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 United Arab Emirates in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The country borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

Scripture Reading— Psalm 130:1-5 NRSV

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you,

so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

Prayer for Peace

Michael Wright

Redeemer, Lord of the Easter mystery,

I’m going fishing:

The world I know, the sea,

searching for sustenance, stability, with those who share my call.

And, yet, being at home on the sea, there are no fish tonight.

Where have they gone?

The nets are empty.

Our ark of disciples floats on the waves, with no response from the creatures below.

I return discouraged, tired, and hungry.

Then, I hear your voice!

In the early light of dawn,

You appear on land, terra firma,

The world you came to Redeem.

The fish appear in a scurry on the right side of the ship,

You call to me, telling me to come to the hearth to eat,

bring the fish that have responded.

I jump in, immersed in your call.

The cold water awakens my senses,

The darkness, discomfort do not discourage,

My outstretched arms keep me afloat, reaching toward Peace.

You pull me from my world,

the water responds to gravity washing our four feet.

Your punctured hand pulls me from my depths and close to you.

I arrive burdened and clumsy,

Excited and eager with the abundance of fish,

too many for those who have been invited to break their fast.

Looking at my bursting net, you ask me the triune question:

“Do you love me?”

I respond, “I do.”

The Lamb of God responds: “Feed my lambs.”

“Do you love me?”

I respond, “you know I do.”

The Good Shepherd responds, “Feed my sheep.”

“Do you love me?”

I tearfully respond, “of course I do.”

The Pastor of Peace responds, “Feed my sheep.”

And in this moment,

I recognize that my world of comfort,

from which the fish came are not where I am called.

I’m called to land where I am to shepherd,

No more gills and scales,

but I shall feed those who breath and cry out as I do:

Love the most vulnerable in this world,

Who search for Shalom,

The punctured hand that pulled me from the water,

The One who restores and reconciles

And grants peace

Even to the fish below, the crying lamb, and the sheep who seek His voice.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Find Your Wholeness” number 643 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 the planet.

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the Holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations, including United Arab Emirates, the country we pray for today. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Be witnesses of hope,

Shed tears for injustice, and

Make a difference in the world.

Go in peace.