oin me in praying this prayer today and that the way be made clear for open listening and relationship building for each of us with those whom we would not, in the past anyway, have a relationship or connect. Companions in Contemplation, Ben Campbell Johnson, 2009, front pages
Jane Note: As we are overwhelmed by hatred and senseless death in a time where our land of freedom is permeated with objectification of human kind rather than relationships where our love is centered on something higher than ourselves, Ben's prayer, even tho previously published in Caringbridge and on the bulletin for his memorial service, seems like the best to post today.
O God, My Father,
Take me by the hand, Lead me to the path, Place my feet in the way,
And lead me into your presence.
As I wait before you,
Cleanse the dross from my soul,
Purify the thoughts and intentions of my heart, Enlighten my eyes that in your light I may see light, And, fill me with yourself that
I may become an Icon of your presence.
As I live in you and you live in me,
May the false self die and the True Self arise; Let my self-shaped will dissolve
Into your all-inclusive will Until I will one thing.
Engulf my consciousness so that moment- by-moment I am united to you and
Your kingdom comes, Your will is done,
Your children receive daily bread, forgiveness of sin, and the guidance of your hand in their lives.
Join me in praying this prayer today adding, Lord, guide me by my hand and may the way be made clear for open listening and relationship building with someone today whom might have been faceless before today. Help me to connect in an insignificant or significant way.
Amen and Amen.
Jane Note: As we are overwhelmed by hatred and senseless death in a time where our land of freedom is permeated with objectification of human kind rather than relationships where our love is centered on something higher than ourselves, Ben's prayer, even tho previously published in Caringbridge and on the bulletin for his memorial service, seems like the best to post today.
O God, My Father,
Take me by the hand, Lead me to the path, Place my feet in the way,
And lead me into your presence.
As I wait before you,
Cleanse the dross from my soul,
Purify the thoughts and intentions of my heart, Enlighten my eyes that in your light I may see light, And, fill me with yourself that
I may become an Icon of your presence.
As I live in you and you live in me,
May the false self die and the True Self arise; Let my self-shaped will dissolve
Into your all-inclusive will Until I will one thing.
Engulf my consciousness so that moment- by-moment I am united to you and
Your kingdom comes, Your will is done,
Your children receive daily bread, forgiveness of sin, and the guidance of your hand in their lives.
Join me in praying this prayer today adding, Lord, guide me by my hand and may the way be made clear for open listening and relationship building with someone today whom might have been faceless before today. Help me to connect in an insignificant or significant way.
Amen and Amen.