The Independence portion of the Temple is dedicated to the pursuit of peace. Each day a small worship service is held at 1:00pm central time. This service is a short reflective service that includes meditation, prayer, scripture reading, and music. All are invited who are able to join in this brief period of reflection and prayer at the Temple, or to take a moment to pause and pray wherever they are in the world.
When I am in Independence, MO and am able I try to attend this period of reflection and prayer, though I must admit that at times when I am there for World Conference I do not attend all the prayers once conference has started as I am often using the lunch hour to visit with friends and family or attending a meeting or workshop.
Each day I attempt to incorporate the daily prayer for peace into my own life. Often, it is just a brief pause, other times it is a prolonged prayer experience. I encourage others to take a moment out of their day to pray also, be it at that time or at another time of the day.
As I work with those at the Kirtland Temple I am slowly bringing this aspect of Community of Christ into the fabric of the Kirtland Temple Ministries. Since the end of October 2007 there has been the Friday Prayer for Peace held within the Reflection Chapel of the Spiritual Formation Center each Friday at Noon EDT/EST. Starting May 1st it will transition to a daily service at 1pm EDT/EST, at least through the busy months of the year. This service is based upon the Prayer for Peace Service held in Independence. When in Kirtland I attend this service, often leading it.
A different country is selected each day to be remembered and uplifted during this period of prayer. If you are interested in which country is being prayed for and information about it please go to: Community of Christ Daily Prayer for Peace.
On that site you will find a calender that list which country is going is specifically being prayed for each day, the order of worship and prayers that will be used for the service in Independence and other related information. Also if you feel called to write a prayer for peace and want it to be used in one of the services there is information on how to submit a prayer also.
More information to come…