Luxembourg — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred time. The Temple, a space that “stand(s) as a towering symbol of a people who knew injustice and strife on the frontier and who now seek the peace of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Luxembourg (luhk-suhm-burg), a nation in western Europe. Luxembourg is landlocked between Belgium, Germany, and France. This is one the world‘s top three nations in wealth, despite its wholesale destruction during World War II, and is known for its fairy-tale beauty and charm.

Scripture Reading— Matthew 22:34-46 NRSV

When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

until I put your enemies under your feet”’?

If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Prayer for Peace

Vicki Crabtree

God of Peace, where are you?

As nations suffer from this COVID crisis,

As people struggle for freedom, empathy, and justice,

As cities are torn apart with riots, burning buildings, and chaos,

As leaders struggle to offer help, direction, and wisdom,

As scientists hasten to create a vaccine that will alleviate, stop, or turn this virus around,

As social institutes search to find ways to educate children, worship together, and serve,

As economies strain with lay-offs, closures, and excessive debt, where are you?

Help us to find you, Lord; help us to see you amongst the chaos, the pain, the struggles.

Help us to feel your peace, your presence, and your love. Show us, Lord, make it plain to see that you are right here in the middle of it all—holding us close.

Today we pray to see you, to be your hands and feet,

Today we pray for peace,

And in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “In Nature's Voice We Hear You, Lord” number 368 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 Luxembourg, 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.