Turkey — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple [that] calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Turkey a nation in Eurasia bordered by eight countries and three seas. The area of Turkey has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The Anatolian peninsula, comprising most of modern Turkey, is one of the oldest permanently settled regions in the world.

Scripture Reading—Psalm 37:39-40 NRSV

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

he is their refuge in the time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and rescues them;

he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.

Prayer for Peace

Claudia Schooler

In the beginning, O God, when you created the heavens, and the earth was a formless void,

you sent a wind over the face of the waters.

Ever since, your wind, your breath has blown life into your creation.

Rising and turning above the currents of vast oceans,

your winds circle this world bringing warmth or cold, rain, or dry weather.

All life is sustained by this miraculous cycle that your wind has set in motion.

The wind came first. Then

the light and the dark, the land, and the sea,

the fish and the fowl, flora and fauna.

You blessed all of your creation, pronouncing it good.

And then the story says that you created humankind in your image to have dominion over all.

Creator God, we pause to ask your forgiveness.

For so long and so often, we have not stood in your image to assert this gift of dominion.

Instead, we clamor and hoard your abundance with a me-first mindset.

We do this individually, corporately, and nationally.

We turn from your benevolent image to the gods of greed and war and wastefulness.

Merciful One, forgive us.

Call us again with the breath of your wind.

Let our dominion of the world be after your image.

Help us to set aside our selfish impulses and mindless, wasteful tendencies.

Let us also find ways to influence friends, businesses, and lawmakers.

Let our breath and our lives become part of that mighty wind

that blows to heal and sustain earth’s systems.

And then when we look at all we do while acting in your image,

may we echo your words: It is good.

Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “How Deep the Silence of the Soul” number 165 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 Turkey, 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.