Turkey — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this Temple which is “dedicated to the pursuit of peace. …[and which] shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.” “You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a; 163:3a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Turkey, a nation in Eurasia and 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—Ephesians 2:17-19 NRSV

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,

Prayer for Peace

Davy Jones

God of all Creation, too often we hurl slings and arrows at our brothers and sisters, and segregate ourselves in petty tribes of color, city-state, language, ideology, and even religion. We hide ourselves away from those different from us, refusing to see the things that connect us to them.

Open our eyes, Father, that we may see your Son in faces different from ours. Soften our hearts, that we may call them “brother,” or “sister.” Whisper in our ears, calling us to reach out to those in need.

Brother Christ, guide us to those in weakness, that we may give others strength. Guide us to those in sorrow, that we may give comfort. Guide us to those in fear, that me may help them find courage. Guide us to conflict, that we may establish peace.

Send us forth, that we may bear your Light to a worn and weary world. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 318 in Community of Christ Sings, “Peace of Jesus.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 318.

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 context for our Prayers of the People begin with ourselves and move outward, in rippling waves to those we know and love, to strangers and enemies, to the entire world, to all of creation.

Will you join with me in this time of prayer and meditation acknowledging your soul’s yearning for God’s presence and peace? Silently join your heart with God’s.

Pause.

O God of love, grant us your peace. We struggle with insecurities and fears, weighed down with issues that affect our sense of worth and wholeness. Grant us peace that calms the inner turmoil of our souls and affirms that we are beloved.

Pause.

O God of life, grant us your peace. We strive for relationships that are fair, equitable and filled with compassion, yet we often find ourselves enslaved in conflicts with others, even those we love. Grant us the strength to listen with our hearts first that we may grow in deeper connection with those whom we call friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family.

Pause.

O God of hope, grant us your peace. We have grown weary of the sounds of war, violence, oppression and diminishment of men, women and children, yet we fail to heed your urgent invitation to act for justice. Grant us the courage to extend our hands in acts of mercy, service, and peacemaking. We remember all nations, including Turkey, the country we pray for today.

Pause.

O God of all creation, grant us your peace. We understand that we are made of the same substance as all living things, yet fail to grasp your vision of the sacredness of creation. Make us more aware and weave us into oneness. Grant us a glimpse of your love for creation in all its forms and the compassion to act in ways that respect and honor the genius of your universe.

Pause.

O God of peace, we offer ourselves as vessels of your grace and peace, so that from where we stand, waves of your loving presence will emanate to bless your world. In and through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Musical Reflection

Sending Forth

Live simply. Value others.

Honor the Earth. Walk in sacred footsteps.

Go in peace.