Yemen — 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 Yemen, a nation in western Asia, on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen is a developing country in civil war, rife with political crises, corruption, and poverty. Yet it was once known as the land of milk and honey and location of the secret to eternal life.

Scripture Reading—1 Corinthians 1:3-7 NRSV

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ

Prayer for Peace

Betty Williams

O God,

Today we bow our heads in humble prayer to be able to come into your presence. We praise you and thank you for your many, many blessings of love and mercy. Although our understanding may be limited, we thank you that you allow us to be involved in promoting peace at home and around the world.

Help us live in harmony with the initiatives you have given us that will enable your Holy Spirit of peace to be within us. As we pray, open our eyes and our hearts to recognize that peace cannot be brought about by thinking we can do nothing, and to realize the measures needed to be taken by all.

Give us new eyes to see the needs all around us, build in us our desire to follow in whatever ways you lead us. Create in us an excitement as we realize that each of us has something unique to assist in the cause for peace. Let us become educated in the facts about peace and find what we can do. May we see every person as a person of worth no matter where that person lives, no matter what their color, their religion, or their way of life.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 556 in Community of Christ Sings, “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 556.

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 Yemen, 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.