Spiritual Practice of the Week

I am mindful this morning that it was one year ago that the earthquake hit Japan, triggering the Tsumani and the Nuclear disaster that followed.  The images were surreal, we felt helpless in the midst of such chaos to know how to respond.  What do we do when we can do nothing to stop this kind of suffering and destruction?

Compassion is a response to need. It soothes a broken heart, calms trouble and offers a cup of tea. Addressing the needs of ourselves and others with concern and love is part of being a committed human being and living life fully in God. When we take action for the well-being of ourselves and others, we are taking the biblical message of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to heart.  There is also tremendous power in reaching out to another by holding them in prayer. Responding to someone’s needs with prayer takes compassionate action to a deeper place. Praying for another to be held in the love and grace of God, to know peace of mind, body, and spirit, brings you both into the place of meeting God.

This practice of praying for the world is meant to awaken our inherent compassion and ask for the needs of others to be soothed, met, cared for.  

Praying for the World

This is a practice of offering prayer for the places in the world where violence, conflict, natural disaster and suffering are happening. Have the group create an image of the earth on a large piece of white paper or cardboard. Alternatively, use a large map or a globe (sometimes you can find globes in beach ball form). Have people work together to create your planet Earth. Once the Earth is complete, place it on table or floor so that the whole group can gather around.

Bring out a few copies of national and local newspapers. Have people work in small groups clipping articles about situations that cause them concern. Then gather in a circle and share the stories, holding a moment of silence after each one and having the person who reads then light a candle.   Place or stick (with tape) each clipping on the globe or map and then light a candle and place it on top of the clipping (if using a map) or on the table around the globe. Go around the circle, allowing each person to share.    End with a group prayer.

Closing Prayer

Oh Great Spirit.   We pray for all the places we have read about today and those we have named aloud. We are still when we hear of so much suffering. Help us find the small thing we can do with great love to bring wholeness to this earth and to all the people and animals.  Help us to remember those who suffer.  Amen

A Prayer for Japan

Hope is a small thing, fragile and strong.

Giver of life, ancient of days,

Reveal deep hope in us; guide us in your ways. Amen. 

© This prayer practice and all of those on the Sunday Morning Blog Post can be found in:  "Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry" Wood Lake Publishing
Doris is the Youth Director for the United Church of Canada in BC.