Singapore — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Singapore, a sovereign city-state in Southeast Asia. It lies 1 degree north of the equator and has a tropical rain forest climate with no distinctive seasons.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 46:1-3, 6-7, 10-11 NRSV

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth.”

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Prayer for Peace

Diana Ytell

O God,

As we prepare to walk the journey to the Cross with you, we bow before you again this day and express our gratitude for the generous gifts you provide for us daily. Help us to focus more clearly on your entry into Jerusalem and the events that unfolded during the last weeks of your earthly life.

We thank you for the plan you have for the salvation of your children We praise you for the gift of your great faithfulness; for the knowledge that the Holy Spirit surrounds us all our days as you walk with us through the sunshine of your love, through the shadow of death and as we sleep and dream in the gentle darkness you have created.

We have heard the cries of your people (here at home, as well as around our world) as they struggle with the over-whelming sense of grief and the pain of losing loved ones, with the consequences of economic crises, the loss of hope and a sense of discouragement.

We thank you for your great mercy. You come to us in our brokenness and bring peace to our chaotic lives and hope to our doubting minds. You offer us forgiveness when we come to you with a contrite spirit and a broken heart. You embrace us in your arms of warmth and love, you feed us with the bread of your broken body, and you pour living water upon our weary souls.

We lay our hearts open at the foot of your cross. Grant us a desire to be a people of peace, a gentle people, born anew from our deepest sorrow through your forgiveness and your great sacrifice.

You have refreshed our souls in the simple act of sharing at your table, for we have stood in the presence of the Holy. Let your people hear your still small voice that comes above the chaos on the wings of prayer and calls us to be a people of peace.

You have raised our spirits to new life. Strengthen us and send us forth in a spirit of compassion to love and serve each other. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “As the Wind Song through the Trees” number 42 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 Singapore, 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.