The Woman's Book of Prayer. Becca Anderson

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ have of our Lord’s gifts all that we desire.

      For I am sure that no man asketh mercy and grace with sincerity,

      without mercy and grace being given to him first.

      —Julian of Norwich, 1373

      70

      A Prayer to St. Joan of Arc, for Faith

      In the face of your enemies, in the face of harassment, ridicule, and doubt, you held firm in your faith. Even in your abandonment, alone and without friends, you held firm in your faith. Even as you faced your own mortality, you held firm in your faith. I pray that I may be as bold in my beliefs as you, St. Joan. I ask that you ride alongside me in my own battles. Help me be mindful that what is worthwhile can be won when I persist. Help me hold firm in my faith. Help me believe in my ability to act well and wisely. Amen.

      —Anonymous

      71

      Let Me Walk in Beauty

      Oh, Great Spirit,

      whose voice I hear in the winds

      and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me.

      I am small and weak.

      I need your strength and wisdom.

      Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes

      ever behold the red and purple sunset.

      Make my hands respect the things you have made

      and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

      Make me wise so that I may understand

      the things you have taught my people.

      Let me learn the lessons you have hidden

      in every leaf and rock.

      —Lakota Chant

      72

      May Everybody Be Happy!

      Oh Almighty! May he protect all of us!

      May he cause us to enjoy!

      May we acquire strength together.

      May our knowledge become brilliant!

      May we not hate each other!

      Oh Almighty! May there be a Peace! Peace!! Peace!!! Everywhere.

      Oh Almighty! May everybody be happy!

      May all be free from ailments!

      May we see what is auspicious!

      May no one be subject to miseries!

      Oh Almighty! May there be a Peace! Peace! Peace! Everywhere.

      —Indian Song, 1400 BC

      Prayer Practice: Meditation

      Meditation is one of the most universal spiritual practices, and some form of it is used in almost every religion worldwide. It has been proven to stabilize your mood, ease pain, and even make women smarter. While some forms of meditation are more strict, even the simplest forms of meditation can help you become more connected to yourself and your spirituality. Taking a moment to contemplate in silence, pray, or let your mind go blank in a quiet space or using objects that hold personal significance can help you reach a deeper understanding of yourself or assist you through difficulties. Meditation is a very versatile tactic that can be combined with many other practices to make your prayer more meaningful.

      73

      A Prayer for Women Leaders around the World

      Praise to you, women leaders of the seven continents,

      for your many works of justice.

      Praise to you, women leaders of Asia,

      for confronting trafficking of women.

      Praise to you, women leaders of Africa,

      for raising your voices to stop AIDS.

      Praise to you, women leaders of Europe, for your peacekeeping.

      Praise to you, women leaders of North America,

      for confronting economic inequities and racism.

      Praise to you, women leaders of South America,

      for struggling against US domination of your land.

      Praise to you, women leaders in Antarctica,

      for your scientific research.

      Praise to you, women leaders of Australia,

      for supporting indigenous cultures.

      —Diann Neu

      74

      If Not Now: A Prayer for Women

      Who would have strength to stand, truth to power,

      a tightrope walk against the wind, with no net below

      except for the hand of God? Who would walk the road

      less traveled, the one of

      rocky crags and razor wire?

      That curves into a perilous wood, and

      still look up with hope? Who would sing the song

      of dissonance when it is easier—far easier!—

      to slip into the stream and be carried by its current?

      Who would dare to demand justice,

      show mercy, offer comfort, shout defiantly—

      who would love in the face of hate?

      Puah stood, and Shifra by her side, choosing life

      and the cry of babes over one man’s harsh decree.

      And Miriam, the one of timbrel and drum,

      she danced across a river and sang a song

      of freedom’s call. Who will stand now, if not for me?

      Who will rise now and march now and sing a song

      of freedom’s call now? Who, if not for me?

      Once more, and yet again, if not now, when?

      —Stacey Zisook Robinson

      75

СКАЧАТЬ