Saturday, June 30, 2007

praying the news

We are surrounded by news. Headlines pop up on our computers, newsclips break into our television watching, stories fill our papers. Often, the news can feel overwhelming: too much violence, suffering, corruption, greed.

Prayer seeks to transform the world. We invite you to pray—not in spite of the news, or to get away from the news, but through the news.

Sit down somewhere where you can read the news, online or in print. Breathe deeply in, and out, quieting your spirit and remembering that this world is God’s.

Choose a story that your are drawn to. Read it. Remember all the people who are affected by this piece of news.

Write or speak a prayer, lifting up all those who are affected, and asking for God’s guidance and transformation. Close your prayer with these words:

O God of all creation, we give thanks that you are present in all the world, and in all of our histories. Continue to help us see your presence, and make us a part of shaping this world as you imagine it can be: a place of justice and of peace. Amen.

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