A Prayer, Sunday 27 November, at the First Unitarian Church of Providence

In this season

in which we’re called to gratitude.

Surrounded by a community

of care and engagement.

Recalling our ancestors

and looking to the future.

Walking the path of healing

for ourselves and each other.

Some words from the desert

Songs from those ancestors

of all who search.

The question

put to Abba Poemen

by a pilgrim.

It is the question

we all know.

Sir

I know sadness.

I know the hurt of ages.

Please put my heart at ease.

With care and concern

for all beings

the saint sang to the wanderer.

And sings to us.

If you would know joy

Never despise anybody

Never condemn anybody

Never speak evil of anyone.

And you will find joy.

And you will find joy.

And now with that advice

echoing in our hearts

a time to pause.

A time to throw

our hearts into the

great silence.

To reflect, to meditate,

to consider our way.

Dear friends,

let us pray.