Caryn Riswold
The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER) regularly publishes rituals written by Diann Neu to honor seasons and events, and this month shares her litany of gratitude in honor of LGBT Pride Month. I encourage you to use it at events, share with friends, pass on to faithful friends and allies. Here are some excerpts from the ritual … for more, head on over to the WATER website.
Gracious and Loving God of Many Names, we praise You for creating LGBTIQ people and those who love us. We honor those who have been working for change as people of faith inside and outside of religious structures.
Let us thank those among us who have struggled and have emerged on the other side, and those who continue to struggle.
Let us thank those agitators and prophets among us who don’t take party lines and who speak truth to power even when it is dangerous or when no one seems to be listening.
Let us thank those advocates among us who bring a moral voice to the world and speak boldly and courageously for themselves and for all of us.
Let us thank the peacemakers and reconcilers among us who draw us together and help share the beauty of all people.
For building a world where all people are celebrated and loved,
Thank you!
For celebrating sexual and gender diversity as a blessing that enriches all,
We thank you!
For working to overcome cruelty and bullying toward LGBTIQ children and teens in schools and communities,
Thank you!
For helping us break through the heterosexism, racism, sexism, homo-hatred, and transphobia in ourselves, in our families and friends, in our communities and cultures,
Thank you!
For honoring the dignity and worth of each person,
Thank you!
For inspiring us with dreams and holy impatience,
Thank you!
For challenging us to believe out loud,
Thank you!
Loving God of Many Names, thank you for creating LGBTIQ people and our friends.
Holy Creator, breathe new energies of kindness and love in the world.
Wondrous Wisdom, renew our commitment to work for justice for all.
This prayer was written by Diann Neu for “Where There Is Love All Things are Possible,” A Multi-Faith Prayer Service in Washington DC, April 26, 2015, supporting Unite for Marriage.
For a more complete version of this ritual, for related calls to action, and for other monthly rituals, visit the WATER website.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In