Peace Pause...
A Prayer For Thanksgiving 2023
Take each other’s hands.
As we gather on this day, let us pause to reflect.
We acknowledge the indigenous peoples of the lands we all occupy, and remember their suffering under colonization past and present. We seek to right these historic wrongs in order to bring long-desired peace and equity for all peoples of the earth.
We also hold in our hearts those everywhere without homes, and recommit to creating a global society in which all people are housed and enjoy wholesome food, clean water, and clean air.
We remember too the victims of war and genocide around the world. Though we are culturally and geographically distant, let us be mindful that injustice to some is injustice to all.
We come together in gratitude today, and we recognize ongoing suffering on our world. Let our thankfulness stir us to compassionate action for the animal and plant kingdoms wherever it is needed: land, sea and sky.
We celebrate our relative safety and privilege with purpose, taking up the unfinished work of justice and equality for all people. In doing so, may we move forward in a spirit of universal human kindness.
In silence we center our common humanity.
May this moment seed in us an ever-growing commitment to peacemaking wherever we are - in our hearts, our homes, our work, and our communities. For what we do to others we also do to ourselves.
We pause now in recollection, responsibility and hope.
… silent reflection …
So let it be, and so it is.
23 November, 2023
by Henry-Cameron Allen
© All Rights Reserved
So let it be, and so it is.