Dominica — map

Gathering in Silence

Call to Prayer

Lighting of Candle

Invitation

In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to this “Temple … an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.”

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8a

Today in our prayers we remember the people of Dominica, a nation in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, located halfway between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dominica has been nicknamed the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” for its unspoiled natural beauty.

Scripture Reading—Doctrine and Covenants 157:11

Hear, O my people of the church, I am Jesus Christ of whom you have sung and testified and in whose name you pray. I am the spirit of love and peace which is in the world and yet not known by the world.

Prayer for Peace

Gil Porter

O Creator of our being, the One who loves the smallest, busy black ant and the giant and graceful, blue whale, who in particular loves us, each one, in our concern for one another and in our overflowing heart and joyful awareness.

Increase our awareness of each other and all your creation.

In our tentative touching of life to life help our responsiveness and awareness of the warmth of loving concern and supporting sensitivity. May we allow room for each one to be…

To be the precious one we know we are in your sight and in your all-pervading, surrounding presence.

We find the peace of wholeness of our life, our neighbor’s life, and our place in the land and community where we have our calling.

Peace with your creatures and especially your people is our calling today; peace and wholeness for all. Amen.

Hymn

Today’s hymn is “Lord Jesus Christ, Lover of All” number 231 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 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 Dominica, 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.



