Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Holiday Prayer

Dear God,

In this holiday season and special time of celebration, we are so thankful for your grace that watches over our lives, over our hopes and fears, and over our dreams and deepest desires.

As I look back over the year much has happen, much that saddens me, much which angers me, and much that I can not change.

I wonder about the poor, the destitute, and the homeless.

As I look back over the year, I wonder what went so horribly wrong with life.

I wonder about those filled with depression and heart aches.

As I look back over the year, I try to make sense out of ignorance, hatred, and deceit.

I wonder about those whose lives have been destroyed by the flames of racism, sexism, and war.

As I look back over the year, I remember a difficult and unplanned life test.

I wonder how the victims of Katrina and the Huntington Floods are fairing.

As I look back over the year, I remember a few conversations with you that did not go so well.

I really expected you to end the violence in our communities, to prevent the deaths of so many of our young men caught in thug culture and bridge the religious divide.

As I look back over the year, I yearn to be younger, smarter, richer and more successful.

I wonder about the sisters suffering in silence with aids.

As I look back over the year, I recall a better time and quieter space.

I wonder about peace, prosperity, and promise for all God’s creation.

As I look back over the year, I admire the place within me that keeps hope alive.
As I look back over the year, I surrender to the unwavering faith nestled deeply within my heart.

As I look back over the year, I praised the parts of me that did not give in to the difficulty or to uncertainty.

As I look back over the year, I am reminded that my legs worked, my mind soared, and my lungs took in the breath of God.

As I look back over the year, I honor my family, friends, and those who would call themselves my enemies for their roles as teachers, mentors and guides.

As I look back over the year, I see the growth and progress that propels me forward and upward. March on … great warrior spirit.

The year in review brings contrast, contentment, and choice.

It brings awareness that I always have the option to choose again, to understand the differences, to appreciate the similarities, and to ravish life in all its many splendid and amazing manifestations.

God, help me to be wiser, more loving, more accepting of the unpredictable ways you bend, twist and ultimately, mold us into divinely expressed humans.

God, prepare me for even bigger and greater things as we leave the old year and move into the unknown light of a new dawn.

God help us to be better citizens of the world: to show more compassion, to listen with a tender ear and to act with a loving spirit.

Amen

Monday, October 30, 2006

Waiting

Holy Spirit,

With sorrowful hearts and awaiting spirits, we invite your gentle touch into the dreadful places of senseless violence, mounting death, and unspeakable destruction that reside in our troubled hearts.

Where can we turn for relief, for salvation and for safety?

Who will understand our weaknesses for greed, our lust to possess other’s, and our will to conquer far away worlds.

Where can I hide my tears, my shame, and deep fear that shields me from my own inner core?

I look to your eternal and loving gaze for your life-sustaining breath: breathe on me. Let your breath heal and empower me.

I patiently wait….. I obediently act ….. and I lovingly watch.
Amen.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

In Oneness



Dear Creator:

We offer our hearts and spirits in loving gratitude. We invite your wisdom and peace in all things: in our family relationships, in our communites of interests, and our national politics.

We pray your every watchful eye sees all that is hidden, all that is deceptive, and all that seeks to destroy. We invite your mercy and justice into our secret societies, closed-door meetings, and marpled boardrooms. We acknowledge there is neither Democrate or Republican, nor Arab, nor Jew, nor liberal, nor progressive, nor conservative in the heavenly rainbow.

There is only our pure and adoring souls. We pray for harmony and understanding in our thoughts, words, and actions. Help us to move beyond labels, positions, and boundaries into your holy santuray of truth: a truth beyond political parties and social agendas. A truth that binds war and promotes justice: a place where there is acceptance and admiration for all life.

Amen and Let it be.