New Year 2013 Blessing Poem

To 2012 we say good bye. 
It had moments that made us laugh 
Moments that made us cry. 

We now look to the coming year 
With feelings of optimism 
And perhaps a touch of fear 

May the coming year see harmony increase 
Brothers and sisters on all sides 
Work together for abundance and peace. 

Let’s welcome in 2013 
Wonders will soon be seen.

End of the Mayan Calendar (Prayer)

Dear God, 
We are ready for the beginning of a new cycle of our humanity, knowing that whatever may happen you will still be with us. Your love and peace will continue to surround us. Your wisdom will continue to guide us. Your life will continue to flow through us. Help us to gently release what no longer works in our lives. Help us to embrace new ways of being as individuals, as members of communities, as members of the human family, and as parts of the complex web of life on the planet. Help us to release our fears and embrace the wonders you have in store for us. Thank you for all the blessings in our lives and all the blessings yet to come. 
A-men.

Sandy Hook School in Connecticut Prayer

Dear God, 
We know that we are all your children. Today, we ask you to be with those affected by the school shooting at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut. Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Help us honor the beauty of the lives that have been lost. Heal the hearts and minds of those touched by the violence. Help them and all of us in the larger community to feel safe and know that there is a prevailing good that surrounds us. Help us to feel the power of your peace and love. 
A-men

Hurricane Sandy

My prayers today are for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Even here in Wisconsin, we are feeling some of the effects.

Dear God, 
How can our lives go on so routinely for so long and then suddenly turn into so much chaos? We turn to you today in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Be with those who have made a commitment to protect us. Protect them, guide them, and give them strength as they do their jobs. Heal those who have suffered emotional and physical injuries. Comfort those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and a sense of security. Be with everyone as they rebuild their lives in the weeks to come. Lighten their burdens, guide them, encourage them and help them feel your love. Thank you for all the blessings in our lives and all the blessings yet to come. A-men.

Blessings from Kata

May you be healthy in body and mind. 
May each day you experience moments of joy. 
May you look at life with childlike wonder. 
May you find inner peace, no matter what is happening in your outer world. 
May you feel surrounded by a love that transcends human understanding. 
May you feel blessed.

Very, Very Short Self-Esteem Prayer

Last week, my inner critic was being fed well. My self-esteem was just shredded. This morning, I said this very brief prayer:

Dear God, 

Please, 

Ease 

All 

Cruel 

Emotions

Sikh Temple Shooting (Prayer)

Each year Unity has a World Day of Prayer. Our Church includes a service where leaders of different religions, including Sikhs, are invited to offer up a prayer. The victims of the recent shooting, their loved ones, and the entire Sikh community are in our prayers today. Here is my personal prayer:

Dear God, today we are trying to understand why such a peaceful community has been the target of such awful violence. Enfold the community in your love and peace. Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Heal the bodies of those who have sustained physical injuries. Heal the hearts of the victims, their families, and friends. Guide us all to create a world of peace, love, respect, and mutual support. A-men

Prayer for Colorado Shooting Victims

Dear God, please be with the victims of the Colorado Theater Shooting and their loved ones. Heal their bodies and their emotions. Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Help us all to know that you are still a God of love and peace. A-men.

Prayer for Syria

Dear God, I feel so powerless as I read about the events in Syria, but I know that I am not alone. Today, I add my voice and my thoughts to the force of all the other people throughout the world praying for the people of Syria. We recognize you as the ultimate power in the world. Spread your protection over the Syrian people. Renew their lives and bring them your perfect peace. Guide the leaders of the world to make wise decisions to help them. We thank you for our answered prayers. A-men.

Extreme Summer Weather (Prayer)

Dear God, during this extreme weather, we recognize just how vulnerable we are. We are dependent upon you and the earth. Help us to stay at temperatures that are safe for our bodies. Supply us with the perfect amounts of water for our bodies and our crops. Open our hearts so that we help those who are especially at risk during this time: the elderly, children, pets, and the physically and emotionally fragile. Guide us to take whatever steps necessary so that we and future generations can continue to grow and thrive in your world. Thank you for all the blessing we enjoy. A-men

Heat Wave (Affirmative Prayer)

I felt I needed to write a prayer in response to the record hot weather we have been having.

Dear God, we recognize your perfection everywhere and in everything, including the weather. Your love envelops us like a cool, refreshing breeze. Your wisdom sends the right and perfect temperatures to us, our crops, our gardens, and our animal friends. Your life giving rains fall in the perfect amounts to help us to thrive. We thank you for all the blessings we have and all the blessings yet to come. A-men.

Prayer for Those Affected by Tornadoes

 

Dear God,
Please, enfold in your loving presence all those affected by the recent tornadoes. Comfort those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and a sense of security. Heal those who have suffered physical or emotional trauma. Send courage and wisdom to help everyone rebuild their lives. In the midst of incredible devastation, help them to know that there is still something they can depend upon. A-men

Prayer to Heal Cynicism

Dear God, 

When I read prayers and affirmations, I am filled with hope. Yet, when I look at the world around me, they seem like wishful thinking, adult fairytales. I have a hard time believing any of it. The true powers in the world appear to be master manipulators, greedy corporations, and corrupt politicians. Today, to the best of my ability, I surrender my cynicism to you. Help me to know that you are still in charge of the world and that I can rely on you. Help me to know in the very core of my being that with you, all things are still possible. Help me to see your handiwork in all that is around me. Help me to open to your abundance, health, and joy. Shine your light so that I can know that you are walking beside me and that I am loved. A-men