Mauritius — 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 Mauritius, a nation in the Indian Ocean about 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of the African continent.

Scripture Reading— Numbers 6:25-26 NRSV

the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Prayer for Peace

Finis Easter

Heavenly Parent,

It is with deep humility we come before you at this hour, praying for peace within the lives of your created. We have come to the realization that by ourselves, we are selfish, prideful, and disrespectful of those who are neither family nor friends, estranged from those not like us, and even fearful of our fellow beings whom we do not understand. We must have a touch of your Holy Spirit to reach beyond ourselves and become a human family that lives together, not only in peace, but in love and mutual empathy, and respect.

There are many nations that as a people do not know of your love and your plan for living together, supporting each other in the shadow of your love. We compete at all levels, personal, as well as national, and in that competition, degrade the worth of others and their personhood. May we who call ourselves your people find ways to reach out and be a blessing to those nations and peoples who are searching for a better way of life. We share their burden of the sin of ignorance. The saving grace of your gospel must go into all the world before it will be a safe and peaceful place of abode. As humans, we are repentant of the centuries we have lived unmindful of the joy of living together in love and peace.

Our earnest prayer in this hour is that you will help us to see the worth of others, and their right to be who they are. May we have that love which opens our eyes to see as you see, recognizing the worth of persons, and desiring only that they reach the fullness of their potential, whatever that may be.

On this day, we sincerely pray that all governments, communist, totalitarian, democracies, and even Christian nations and organizations, find ways to justly govern in accordance with your laws of love, recognizing the worth and rights of all humans. This is our hope, through Christ Jesus, that your kingdom may soon come to this troubled earth.

We pray in the holy name of the Prince of Peace, even Jesus. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 655 in Community of Christ Sings, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 655.

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 this day begin with ourselves and then, enlarging life’s circle, move outward to include those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, and to all of creation.

Please join with me in today’s prayer and meditation; quiet your breathing and embrace God’s eternal grace as you become aware of your own responses to the guided prayers of the people.

Pause.

God, you are the still point of the circle within which all creation is found. I yearn to connect with your spirit of peace and experience the companionship of your presence in this moment. May I abide in the center of creation’s circle with you?

Pause.

Creator of horizons, help us draw the circle wider to include those I know and love, and even those I struggle to understand and accept. Fill this circle with the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and peace. Give us the desire to include all whose paths cross ours into a place where acceptance is offered freely. Draw our circle wider.

Pause.

Giver of dreams, let the peace we’ve dreamed of expand to embrace all your children. We remember all nations, including Mauritius, the country we pray for today. Within this circle may we see the other as brother and sister, and act as mutual stewards of one another. You call us to live without borders that exclude. Help us to draw the circle wider still.

Pause.

God of all living things, your world longs to be whole and in harmony. The dream of shalom includes caregiving for the water, earth, air and all that has life in one great family. You created us with interdependencies. Give us mutual respect and tender care for all. Let this be our song: Nothing on your created Earth stands alone, but lives in shalom with all other living things. Draw the circle wide open.

Pause.

Architect of life and peace, may we be blessed by your vision of shalom this day. May our minds, hearts, and spirits be wide enough for all to find a home. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s shalom. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

May blessings of peace

Be realized today

Through the Source, Savior, and Spirit.

Go in peace.