Qatar — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b.

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Qatar, a nation in Western Asia occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar is fast becoming one of the most exciting places on Earth, with an appreciation for its ancient past as well as its embrace of the future.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 137:6a

Let the church be admonished that the times are portentous and demand faithful adherence to the faith and work of the church, that mankind may be blessed by and find peace in those religiously social reforms and relationships which have been divinely imposed as a great task of achievement.

Prayer for Peace

Everett Graffeo

Lord, we pause for a quiet moment to remember.

Our eyes turn inward:

We remember the others that impact our lives

They pass in review and we ask hopefully,

“Forgive us for transgressions committed and for

compassion withheld.

Hold us close as unique and worthful souls in your life.

Be there for us as we would be there for you.

May we be at peace one with another.”

Our eyes turn outward:

We see God’s world, now ours by gift.

We treasure your beauty and wonder at your mystery.

We turn with you, in the unfolding of our mutual future.

Help us to live in harmony with your planet, Lord,

With sea and air, plant and animal,

With men and women, with family and neighbor,

With island and continent.

We are yours by natural birth.

We are called friends by second birth.

We have our hope in you.

Our faith is strengthened by you.

Our love is a reflection of you.

May the gift of your Son be appreciated more fully

Among all nations of the Earth,

That your justice will reign and your peace abide,

For we pray

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 386 in Community of Christ Sings, “The Cause of Zion Summons Us.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 386.

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 Qatar, 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.