October 2009
MOST MAY AGREE WITH THIS WORLD PEACE SANCTUARY PRAYER FOR PEACE
Posted by Doug on October 24, 2009
Martha and I were honored to be a small part of The World Peace Sanctuary Celebration 09 and we would like to share a special letter to the Editor by Gary Lewis in the Poughkeepsie Journal. This speech was of one of highlights of the day.
I am saddened when religion is complicit with, or worse, the cause of war. Religions should unite us, not divide. It is my hope that those of all faiths and those of no faith can join with me in the following prayer which was delivered recently by a fellow member of the Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting at the World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaic, New York, for the International Day of Peace.
Creator of the universe, source of all love, present among us, present within us; this is our prayer.
We, the peoples of the world are one tribe, one race, one family, and divine love is our universal inheritance.
May this knowledge grow within us and may the light of this truth lead to the understanding that true peace can only arise from a love that transcends religion and rejects confrontational nationalism.
May we experience God, beyond all human wisdom – beyond scripture, ritual or creed and yet, accessible to every open heart. We pray that through divine love humanity will renounce the use of outward weapons for any cause whatsoever; neither for the kingdom of God nor for the kingdoms of this world, because that is what love commands.
And, may each of you know that God loves you as much as any human being that has ever lived. Within that awareness, you will find peace. Creator of the universe, source of all love, present among us, present within us; this is our prayer. May peace prevail on earth. Amen."
