Praying for guidance

In times like these, we are looking for answers, guidance, security. The world around us it pitching and swaying, with fresh layoffs every day, news of businesses closing, a stock market that rises and falls like our breath and our hopes. Where do we turn for real answers, for a reliable path, for some structure that holds?

I think it's part of our story right now that we are looking closer at the choices we exercise in all areas of our lives. Who will we trust? What do we invest in? What do we count as the blessings in our lives? What do we really want and need? We are searching for a "new normal." Waking up and knowing where to place our feet feels uncomfortable and scary.

But let's count the things we do have. We've got an amazing new leader, the embodiment of truth and integrity and hope. We've got readiness--a majority of people in this country voted this remarkable change into leadership. We've got the basic gifts and talents of each and every person in this country and around the world; we all have something to offer or we wouldn't be here.

Our awakening this morning was a prayer for guidance. We listen, we wait, we watch headlines, we pray. Whether you pray by singing, thinking, drawing, moving, reaching out, serving others, or sitting quietly in your room, listen carefully for the guidance that comes to you today--in love, in peace, as relief and warmth. You'll feel it, see it, hear it, know it when it comes. No matter what your faith or tradition, you are being led and comforted. May we each be fully aware of the loving hand of wisdom on our shoulders today.

God, thank you for the huge blessings we are already experiencing--there is light here, even as people and stories and headlines point out what we fear. May you give us the light and strength and courage to look through the headlines into the life of promise; to know that in the depths of our challenge lies the green growth of change. That by knowing clearly what we don't want, we are in thought creating the life we do want--for ourselves and for each other. May you give us the vision to feel and know a rich and loving inner world that must blossom like spring around us in due course. Please continue to bless President Obama as he listens, leads, and opens the path for the healing of this nation and the flourishing of our world. Bless and protect his family in these days of heavy call and response and give them gifts of joy, peace, and family connection that outshines the challenges of their public life. Amen.