There are folks who speak about a “fourth wall” in worship. This is the invisible barrier between those of us on the chancel – the worship leaders and musicians – and the congregation in the sanctuary seats or with us online. Over time, I have enjoyed breaking that metaphorical wall and co-creating with you in the moment. We did that last Sunday. We co-authored a prayer together, which we playfully called a “Mad Libs” Prayer.
Here are some of the words we shared with one another in the physical and virtual sanctuary:
Spirit of Love, Healing, Compassion and Creation,
May we find opportunities this day and this week for singing, exercise, hiking, biking, Pokémon, Lacrosse, music, and Magna-Tiles.May we find within ourselves wellsprings of courage and patience, generosity and forgiveness
To overcome fascism, economic inequality, hunger, and greed.
May all who are experiencing tears, injury, surgery, sorrow, fear, war, anxiety, or who are in the middle of potty training,
Be met by the light of our creativity, humor, courage, peace, equity, and kindness.
May it be so. Amen. Blessed be.
We all have a need for communal practices that will help us move towards collective hope, healing, and wholeness in these times. Prayers and meditations can help us name the way.
Following the service, in an activity organized by our Peace Action Group in the lobby outside our sanctuary, congregants continued to share words of peace and meaning in a time of war. In the photo with this column, you can view an arrangement of branches with buds carrying prayers for peace with sentiments like:
“Love is Louder”
“May all the world know peace and healing in our lifetimes.”
“May we have the courage to witness suffering without turning away – stand up – speak out!”
“Pray not to react but to respect.”
And more…
Thank you for all the gifts of presence you share with your fellow travelers on the journey of life here in our community.
With gratitude,
Rev. Alison