Light just when we need it

We've all heard the proverb, When the student is ready, the teacher appears. I have been thinking this morning about the connection of that statement and Ask and it is given you in relation to our world, national, and personal challenges. Isn't it always true that each downturn leads us to discover something new--a tool, a thought, an attitude, a way to be more open, loving, generous, sharing? Doesn't each contriction lead to an expansion? It has been so in my life. I think of Jesus saying to the disciples, when they asked what the blind man did to deserve his blindness, "You're missing the point--it's not about what he did...it's about what God will do next."

God, may we all live in a sense of security and peace, knowing that when a need arises--no matter how dire it seems--you are already present with the answer. It's not about what we could have, should have, would have done--or which generation is to be blamed for the challenges we face. If we listen, look, and act with integrity, your good answers will arise naturally and easily, and just in time. Please bless President-elect Obama with the light he needs to hold a hopeful gaze on the nation, the world, and most of all your horizons, as he prepares to lead this nation to better times and a sense of global community.

A gift of blessing

This perfect and poetic blessing, written and recited by beautiful soul John O'Donohue (link and posting from the Speaking of Faith site), is a holiday gift for President-elect Obama as the eve of his inauguration approaches:

A Blessing for One Who Holds Power

Empty space, new possibilities

History offers us wisdom, insight, and patterns of action that can help us discover time-tested and demonstrated solutions to current problems. But history can also be limiting in that (1) that time isn't this time; (2) the people responding today have their own world views and perspectives, different from that of a former time; (3) spirit, creative thought, and harmony are freshly present, right now, in this living moment.

Loving Lord, bring us afresh into this present moment, with its unlimited potential, its myriad happy possibilities, and its new and perfect answer to the living we're called to this day. Like manna, you supply fresh blessings every morning. Help us to be open to the divine idea, present within, among, and around us all today. Bless President-elect Obama and his family, staff, and advisors, that they may continue to be led with new, vibrant energy into the healed and whole Now, with your ideas as constant companions, in tune with the harmony of all that is and ever will be. Amen.

The higher angels of our nature

What is it about setting a new, hopeful course that seems to draw out obstacles from all directions? It's something I don't yet understand about the nature of life, but I see it happening all around me. When we struggle, flip-flop, hem and haw about something, life carries on its usual waves--this day is a little hard, this day is great, this day was productive, this day wasn't...and on it goes.

But somehow when we mobilize our efforts and firmly commit to something, it seems like a process of testing arises. Are we really serious about our commitment? Will our faith really hold? Will we keep making choices in alignment with our highest vision? Or will we be tempted to slip back into the old comfortable despair, believing we aren't able to affect change, blaming someone else for the mess we find ourselves in?

I don't have any real answers to this, but it seems that this period of testing really does come. I don't personally believe God puts these tests in our path, but they do appear to arise. Maybe it's the classic Jesus-in-the-desert tempation. Sure, you want to act hopefully, but what will you do when the economy falls at your feet? Yes, you want change and collaboration, but here's a corrupt politician to tempt you into believing (yet again) that power corrupts and no one in politics can be true to his word.

It seems to me we're in a period of testing, as a people, as a nation, as a world. Will we believe in the good we've chosen? Our resolve is being tested, but this too shall pass. We're overcoming the old patterns and temptations bit by bit, choice by choice. We may see some corrupt politicians flushed out of office. We may see more faltering happen before we fly. But change is unfolding, and no matter what, the good that is already here can't be undone.

God, we thank you for the blessing of far sight, encouraging friends, the vision of goodness. We thank you for touching our hearts and drawing us toward all the best qualities your love shines out--honesty, integrity, compassion, hope, unity, gentleness, creativity, the higher angels of our nature. May we stand firm in our choices and watch for the beauty that is emerging in this country even--and especially--now. In your name of love and light, we pray. Amen.

The prayer of presence

This morning I am reminded of the power of our personal presence--the impact and influence our energy, expressions, mood, and thoughts have on people and circumstances around us. When we walk into a room with a smile, the energy lifts. When we are angry with ourselves, with others, or with the way things are, it radiates from us whether or not our words and faces communicate it.

Perhaps today we can simply be a calm and grateful presence, wherever we find ourselves. Maybe we can uphold the ideas of hope, courage, honesty, and commitment to collaboration that President-elect Obama embodies. It's possible that we can look with clear eyes at our world, at our country, at our needs--collectively and individually--and stand in a place of commitment and trust: we will use our talents and good will to create a better world. The environment begins with us, and what we're broadcasting right now. Are you feeling hopeful or doubtful? Encouraged or discouraged? Look at one of the photos of election night and be reinvigorated--realign with your hope. God didn't bring us this far to let hope falter now. Be strong. Have courage. Watch for the good.

God, thank you for being with us--each and all, all over the globe--during this time of challenge and opportunity. Help us see the possibilities that are springing up all over, the chance to clear away that which we don't value and choose the tools, systems, structures, and people who will help us bring about a more just and loving and equitable world. Help us each to listen for your prompting, watch for your view, and act in the name of Love as we are prompted. Bless President-elect Obama and his family, keeping their courage and commitment strong and clear. Uphold the energy of Goodness you have brought forward at this time and place. It is such a gift! May we continue to stay thankful and active, moving joyfully through and beyond the doubt and worry that tempt to bind our feet and dampen our spirits. In your name, we celebrate! Amen.

Fullness of joy, elixir of peace

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the States, and I've had the fullness of gratitude on my mind in a big way. Gratitude arises from an awareness of and belief in our blessing, and hope and belief in blessing always arrives before we see the outer evidence of change. I think of David picking up the slingshot, Daniel saying his prayers, Esther in the king's palace, Jonah in the whale's belly, and even Abraham hiking up the mountain with Isaac, and remember all the examples we have of people who acted on their belief in the goodness of God without seeing the outer evidence that their trust would prove true. They each acted in dire conditions--under direct threat of their lives or the lives of those they loved. They stepped forward not believing that they would figure it out somehow along the way, but that God was with them and that ultimately goodness prevails.

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways--
Reclothe us in our rightful mind
In purer lives, Thy service find
In greater reverence, praise.

-- John Greenleaf Whittier

May this Thanksgiving be a time of peace, refreshment, and grateful celebration for President-elect Obama and his family, and for each of us in our own homes, with our own families. We each embody and live out the hope and trust of new light and life, new community and welcome, in America and throughout the world. May our prayers and thoughts continue to support the Obamas in love and gratitude as they step onto the world stage to make the lasting difference of a generation, knowing God is ever present.

Of the people, by the people, for the people

Today is the anniversary of Lincoln's delivery of the Gettysburg Address, in front of a crowd of 15,000 people (read about the story on Writer's Almanac or see the original documents on the Library of Congress site). President-elect Obama mentioned in his interview on 60 Minutes Sunday evening that he is currently reading Lincoln, and as he and his transition team continue to make important choices about his cabinet, this prayer bubbles up:

God, may this be a day of vision, clarity, and peace for President-elect Obama and all those gathering to help uncover the path through our current valley of challenge and difficulty. Continue to protect his vision and effort and bring those with hearts of service and minds prepared and open, receptive for the work ahead. Support him as he continues to appeal to the higher angels of our nature and leads us to believe in the potential of our good agency once again. Amen.