We enter this house of worship in a time of deep reflection:
The world we have known has been broken;
We have seen and heard events we would not think possible;
The security we have assumed has been challenged;
Our spirits have been assaulted and we experience pain.
We seek to get back to the routines of our lives,
Those everyday rhythms and rituals that structure our being;
We long for the normal - for the predictable - for the mundane.
At such times may we reach down to the deep places for strength;
May we reach out to our neighbors with compassion;
May we reach up for the noblest of which we are capable.
Always, it seems, we are called upon to repair a broken world,
To bind up the wounds of the human family,
To center ourselves in turbulent times,
To persevere when we are discouraged.
It is time to take the deep breath,
To prepare for the long haul,
To collect our scattered selves.
In the midst of a broken world
May we be healers,
May we be menders,
May we be those who build up, not tear down.
In the midst of a broken world, let us keep the faith.
return to main page