Malaysia — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this service of peace. “Listen to the Voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. Listen to the Voice, for it cannot be stilled, and it calls you once again to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Malaysia, a nation in Southeast Asia consisting of thirteen states and three federal territories. It offers bustling cities, islands, jungles, as well as remote tribes of indigenous peoples.

Scripture Reading— Isaiah 26:3 NRSV

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—

in peace because they trust in you.

Prayer for Peace

Donald Lents

O God, we count it a privilege to approach you in appreciation for our many gifts and blessings. The opportunity to request this attention from you is an awesome experience. However, we are aware that down through the centuries you have been most gracious in your response. It is in that spirit we continue in your presence today.

Throughout the eons of time always there has been a devoted group of men and women with holy concern for others and the desire to provide meaningful surroundings for the betterment of their own individual society and the world at large. For this we express heartfelt gratitude. Knowing full well the desires of our predecessors we humbly come into your presence to make such a request.

Many individuals in our world are involved in and concerned about the peacemaking process. On occasions they become discouraged and frustrated with the seeming lack of response of the human family. For them, this day, we pray that challenge and stimulation will continue to be theirs so that even in small ways their efforts will be recognized and successful.

The feeling of and actual experience of affluence often makes us neglect our awareness of affluence often makes us neglect our awareness of the plight of many of your people. Forgive us, we ask, and stimulate our minds to be responsive and receptive to counsel and actions that will truly make life more meaningful and satisfying to those less fortunate.

We appreciate the gifts you have bestowed upon us: mental capacity and ability, spiritual experiences, physical needs, to name but a few. As a result of such love we pray in this temple today that our resolves will result in our being found in those organizations and activities that will lead people to a level of activity that will truly bring peace in our present situations.

Again, O God, accept our individual and collective thanks for your gracious and kind gifts and presence. We pray in the name of the great peacemaker, even Jesus Christ that we all will be found responsive and successful. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 590 in Community of Christ Sings, “When I Can Ache.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 590.

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 Malaysia, 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.