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by Lisa E. Stocker
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Dearest
Creator of the Universe, Source of Love—
We come
together today without benefit of walls or common creeds or even the
knowledge of who we are in our individuality . . . yet, Lord, we do,
indeed, come to You and to one another together in a genuine sense of
community and sharing and love. A community born of spiritual
curiosity, open hearts and minds, independence and choice, and a desire
to better know and serve You in ways unique to each of us.
We thank you
first for the unmatched example of perfect love in the person of Your
Child, Jesus the Way-shower, the Christ; He who we remember both humbly
and joyously today for the gift of grace given to us in the culmination
of His life’s witness to the power of love, the truth of non-resistance,
and the healing repudiation of the temptation to hate. Strengthen us in
our constant and imperfect efforts to follow that challenging path—a
path that is bordered not by judgmental, rule-bound, fear-based,
exclusionist prohibitions, but by signposts to service and compassion
and commitment. Keep uppermost in our thoughts His commandments to
first love You and then, in turn, one another. Nothing more is needed;
nothing less will do.
We also thank
you for this gathering of “kindred spirits”—in a very literal sense.
For that is the part of each one of us present here in this unique
gathering. May the prayers we offer up today strengthen each of us
individually in our daily lives as well as strengthen us as a powerful
fellowship of worshippers whose prayers and good works have the
potential to touch any number of lives.
Help us in
our understanding, guide us in our search for truth, support us in our
dealings with a world that has little time or tolerance for looking
beyond the moment or serving a need other than one’s own. Let our lives
exemplify another way of being. Bless us and those we love, everywhere
and at all times, with all good things. Touch our hearts, kindle our
spirits, enlighten our minds, strengthen our resolve, and fill our very
beings with Your peace and Your love—what this day of days is all about.
All this we
ask and affirm in Your name, with faith and thanksgiving,
Amen
__©2004-2006
Lisa E. Stocker__ All Rights Reserved
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