Malta

Invitation

I welcome you to this time of worship in the name of Jesus Christ, whose peace we seek for all creation.

Each day in this Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation and healing of the spirit, we pray for peace and uphold one of the nations of the world.

Today we remember the people of Malta in our prayers.  The Republic of Malta is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the center of the Mediterranean and is internationally known as a tourist resort.  Malta has a long Christian legacy and Catholicism continues to be the official and dominant religion.  The World Health Organization ranked Malta number five in world health systems with praise for both public and private health systems.

May God’s spirit of peace draw us together in worship, and in service, as we pursue just and lasting peace for the people of Malta, and all nations.

Scripture Reading
—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2b

Fulfill the purposes of the Temple by making its ministries manifest in your hearts.  It was built from your sacrifices and searching over many generations.  Let it stand 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.

Prayer for Peace
— Danny Belrose, Independence, Missouri, USA

Whirling, swirling skyward
--here, in this sacred space, we sense your Spirit, God,
--not because the other places where we walk, talk,
and live out our daily lives are less sacred.
Every sanctuary, large or small, humble or ornate
--every living room, field, forest, mountain stream
dedicated to your praise and peace
awakens us to your presence.
We come expectant.
We come in search of you, of ourselves,
of those we know and do not know
who need to be blessed and to be your blessing.
How many feet have journeyed
this Worshiper’s Path, God?
How many faces, races, friends, families, strangers?
Heads bowed in silence.
Hearts filled with hope and anticipation.
Upward. Inward. Slowly, reflectively,
winding their way into spiraling space.
Bringing you here, meeting you here
--taking you with them, God.
Opening themselves, once again,
to your ever abiding presence at all corners of life.
And somehow awakening to the wonder that they too
are your temple
--each, a living, loving sanctuary of peace,
reconciliation, and healing of the Spirit.
May this shining symbol escape its footings and foundation.
May it wander far and wide in crepe soles,
sandals, high-heels, bare-feet, and sneakers
--its walls wrapped in suits, saris,
shirts, and sundresses.
Let its face be a rainbow of cultures,
young and old, weak and strong
--each a living sanctuary of Christ’s peace.
And may those who never enter its doors, become its doors
welcoming all they meet with the
gift of grace and holy acceptance.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Hymn
What Is This Place - Sing for Peace #2

Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the “Prayers of the People. During the moments of quiet, you are invited to pray silently or meditate.

Gracious and loving God, we come before you at this time, and in this sacred place, with praise and thanksgiving.  Open our hearts and our minds to an awareness of your presence that makes all places sacred.

The People Pray in Silence

We recognize our shortcomings and humbly seek your forgiveness.  Help us embrace the fullness of your grace in our lives and joyfully share your love and grace with others.

The People Pray in Silence

We pray for the nation and people of Malta.  May all peoples seek to live at peace within and among the nations of this world.

The People Pray in Silence

Move within and among us, and empower us with your Spirit so our lives may be living sanctuaries of peace spiraling outward into all the world. 

The People Pray in Silence

Please use this space to pray for any current concern or event in our community, city, state, nation or world that you feel needs to be held up to God for prayerful consideration.

The People Pray in Silence

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Sending Forth

Our service concludes with ministry of music, and you are invited to remain in the quiet of this place and pray or meditate as long as you wish.

As we go from this sacred place, may we be open to God’s presence of peace, and may we strive to be living, loving sanctuaries of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit.  Amen.

Ministry of Music