Good morning…
On Sunday morning, we were given time to read to ourselves the Unison Prayer of Confession. Slowly. Silently. Sitting still, we each read reverently. Once we had deepened down into the words privately, we read the follow prayer aloud together.
Slowly. Silently. Sitting still. Might you join me now as we are touched by this wide-eyed wisdom?
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From “I Confess” by Howard Thurman
I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.
There is food for all – many are hungry.
There are clothes enough for all – many are in rags.
There is room enough for all – many are crowded.
There are none who want war – preparations for conflict abound.
I confess my own share in the ills of the times.
I have shirked my responsibility as a citizen.
I have been concerned about my own little job, my own little security, my own shelter, my own bread.
I have not really cared about jobs for others, security for others, shelter for others, bread for others.
I have not worked for peace; I want peace, but I have voted and worked for war.
I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard on the side of any cause, however right, if it meant running risks or damaging my own little reputation.
Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire.
Amen.
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On Sunday, we sensed the threat of war. By Thursday, war had broken out. In this confused world, our prayer remains the same.
Let Thy light burn in me.
“No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room” (Luke 11:33-36, MSG).
Living Light for our hurting world, let Thy light burn in us.
…Sue…
