“It shall be established forever like the moon, the witness in the sky is faithful.” – Psalm 89:37
God of moon and sun, God of rhythm and constant presence –
This week around the world, we gazed upon the fullness of the same moon.
Just as we gaze upon the same You – when in our homes and churches, while together and alone.
Your name is spoken in different languages and spoken without words in the silence of our hearts.
We gaze and are gazed upon – flooded and filled with the gentle Light of Love.
May all those who feel disconnected from the rhythms of thriving, who feel lonely and isolated, feel the constant pulsing presence of Your Interconnected Life.
May all those grieving loss feel the caress of Your comfort: those in Israel and Palestine among increasing deadly attacks; in Northern India, where ethnic clashes have become a “political battleground;” in the United States, where there have been 11 mass shootings in July alone; in Kenya, where 51 were killed and 32 injured in a truck accident; and continued violence and unrest in Ukraine and Russia.
May all those who are experiencing chronic pain, a new diagnosis, continued effects of long-Covid, hunger, economic instability, constant stress, relational disruption, unfulfilling work, and crippling depression – be given what they need, touching body, mind, heart, soul, and spirit.
May all those suffering in the drastic heat waves in China, North Africa, the Middle East, and many other places around the world due to El Nino and climate change be safe and given what they need. May we be motivated by this suffering and extremes to feel our interconnection and make changes towards a healed earth – like New Zealand is the first country to ban single-use plastic shopping bags.
May all those who feel the edges of a dream or longing be given the courage, creativity, and practical gifts to take a step towards what their hearts yearn for. May we allow for curiosity in our lives. May be open to new discoveries from the depths of ourselves – like researchers who discovered a rare octopus nursery off the coast of Costa Rica, only the third like it known in the world.
May we embody the bold voice of Nadia, the grandmother of Nahel, the 17-year-old who was shot by police in France, causing five days of riots and protests, who asked protestors, “Don’t break windows, buses, schools…we want things to calm down.” In so many different languages and ways, we pray this prayer through our grief, pain, longing, and hope.
We pray for the calming light of the moon. We pray to you, God of all Light – within us and around us.
Amen
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