Centering: Meredith Monk, Gotham Lullaby
Welcome to Brothers and Sisters, the weekly meetup for prayer* and community at Daily Kos. We put an asterisk on pray* to acknowledge that not everyone uses conventional religious language, but may want to share joys and concerns, or simply take solace in a meditative atmosphere. Anyone who comes in the spirit of mutual respect, warmth and healing is welcome.
A god with tall crow feathers in his hair,
Long-limbed and bronzed, from going down of sun,
Dances all night upon his dancing floor,
Tight at his breast, our sorrows, one by one.
Relinquished stalks we could not keep till bloom,
And thorns unblossomed but of our own blood,
He gathers where we dropped them, filling full
His arms' wide circuit, briars and sterile shrub.
And all alone he dances, hour on hour,
Till all our dreams have blooming, and our sleep
Is odorous of gardens, --- passing sweet
Beyond all, wearily, we till and reap.
Ruth Benedict, "Myth"
I am a child of God
I have everything I need.
This beautiful earth feeds my body.
You feed my soul.
You guide me in the ways of Life,
for You are Life.
And though I will walk through dark places, and eventually to death,
I need never be afraid.
For You are with me always,
In You I can find comfort.
With Your help, I can face whatever comes.
My joy overflows.
Your goodness and blessing will be with me
Every day of my life -- and forever.
Paraphrase of Psalm 23 by Christine Robinson
Recessional: Compline Chant, Salve Regina