Malta — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this sacred 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 Malta, a nation on a Southern European island consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. Malta has a long Christian legacy, and according to the book of Acts Paul was once shipwrecked on Malta.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a

The temple shall be dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.

Prayer for Peace

Helen Lents

Gracious God, there is no greater yearning in the hearts of humans than that of the desire for peace in all its diverse expressions. Increase our awareness that the only way to experience this peace is through the integration of our lives in seeking to understand and live as followers of Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse, to strengthen, and enlighten is ever present to us and can be claimed when we seek that presence in the quiet moments of our days and in the clarity of vision that comes unexpectedly at times when we are deeply involved with and observant of the needs of the world in which we live.

Forgive us, Creator, when we have been too busy to feel and recognize the gentle touch of your Spirit inviting and leading us in the ways of discipleship. Remove our blindness when we have chosen not to look or to be stewards of your wondrous creations. Awaken in us the confidence and assurance that our faltering efforts to be your children can be enhanced and become significant in the kingdom endeavor. Help us to understand there is no small task in your service and increase our willingness and enthusiasm, and our belief that your creation may one day be at peace when we are truly in accord with your purpose.

Guide our efforts to live in peace and harmony in our diversity, we pray in the name of the Great Peacemaker. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is 307 in Community of Christ Sings, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Sing or silently reflect on the meaning of the text as it is sung. Hymn number 307.

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 Malta, 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.



