A prayer today from the Rev. Jennifer Owen-O’Quill, who serves “2U,” Second Unitarian Church in Chicago, IL. I had the privilege of being in the sanctuary of that church the morning she gave this prayer:

Prayer

by Rev. Jennifer Owen-O’Quill, September 10, 2006

Creator of Life, Source of Love, God of many names, yet always nameless - we seek after You this morning.

When we find ourselves separated from others, either with loneliness and isolation or with anger, hurt or fear, help us to find a way to reach out and break through our constricted hearts and forlorn spirits to find ourselves connected once again with family and friends. And if we are unable to reach out ourselves, may there be someone who reaches in and offers us the shelter of their friendship.

We all need to know Love — to give and receive this is the greatest gift of human life. May we be fashioned into a people that are able to share this Love. May we be fearless in offering our love into places when warmth and compassion seem absent.

May we stretch our hearts even further than we thought possible to reach someone whose has hurt us so deeply that anger and vengeance have boiled in our blood. Give us the patience to persevere as we seek to offer our forgiveness for even those deep wounds, for we know our own anger can turn on us, and cause even more hurt and suffering for us and for those we love.

And may we rejoice with the love that comes to us, generously and unexpectedly.

And may that force which creates and sustains Love be ever present in this sanctuary, and dwell at the heart of this community now and always.

For the world, with its war and misunderstanding, its hatred and prejudice, needs so much of the grace that brings love to the most unexpected of places. Surprise us with that grace, and fashion us into a people who might be instruments of Your peace.

Shalom, Salaam and Amen.

Source: Rev. Jennifer Owen-O’Quill, serving Second Unitarian Church in Chicago, IL, September 10, 2006

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