‘Last week one of my daughters and I had a terrible argument, and we remain quite distant. It is from that event that this prayer poem surfaced.’ — William Stephenson O God, I come to you now, even when my heart has been closed to someone I love. Even as I am aware of the […]
Read full textinclusive language in prayer
Bend me toward Bethlehem — David Long-Higgins
O Love, Like wise ones of old Bend me toward Bethlehem And every place of birth Where You saturate earth And world with joy Surprising sleepy shepherds Of one kind or another. Wake me from slumbers Of every sort Daring to distract me From Your grand gift Poured again and again Through heavens torn Revealing […]
Read full textExperimenting with the Jesus Prayer — Ana Gobledale, UK
My family and I have experimented with the Jesus Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. By removing gender-orientation and limiting phrases and inserting words that ring with meaning and truth for today, this prayer has remained a pillar of my faith practice. In the 1980’s saying nightly prayers with my children, we replaced “Our Father” with “Almighty God.” Today, with […]
Read full textEarth-maker: A contemporary ‘Lord’s Prayer’ – Jim Cotter, UK
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain Bearer, Life-Giver, Source of all that is and that shall be. Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by […]
Read full textPrayers for Our World, opening words – Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
Gracious God, giver of peace, planter of justice, spirit of love, we lift up to you our world – giving thanks for its beauty and majesty, for its many creatures and peoples, for its bounty and flourishing. In our thanksgiving, we also remember those who struggle day in and day out simply to survive, those […]
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