You’re invited to add another dimension to your time of devotion and spiritual awareness. Grab a candle. Ever since humanity discovered fire, flame has been a symbol of community and spiritual presence. Light your candle and join me in this Call to Worship:
In our scattered places let us be together in our hearts.
For here together we will weave the threads of our lives
into a wondrous vision; a bright new tapestry of dreams of times to come.
As a workman gathers tools
As a poet gathers images
As a musician gathers a band
As a scholar gathers arguments
As a writer gathers stories
As a preacher gathers texts
So God gathers the people for service.
So as a people both scattered and gathered, let us celebrate.
Opening Prayer
(from
She Who Prays, A Woman’s Interfaith Prayer Book
)
Loving God, we remember all those who have experienced armed conflict, whether in the military or as civilians. Most especially we lift up those whose living conditions are so desperate they see fighting as the only way to a better life. We ask for dramatic changes for those who feel so hopeless. We lift up those who have been injured in war, whether physically, emotionally or spiritually. We also ask for healing for the families of those who were killed, and for the injured and their families. We remember the damage done to ecosystems during times of war, and ask for healing for earth and sky. We pray this day in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
The Prayer of Jesus
