As we turn to prayer this morning, let us begin by settling into our seat and find peace in this space. As we quiet the mind and body let us be lulled by the rhythm of our own breath, the ebb and the flow of the inhale and exhale.

The same breath that moves in and out of me, moves in and out of you, connecting us all.

We remember from the tradition of many the words of Jesus, I and the father are One, as we continue to notice our breath, slowly in and slowly out, I and the father are one, I and the father are one. Let this be your prayer, your mantra, if the word father is uncomfortable for you, go ahead and change it, make it your own, take this time to go within and to honor your oneness with the divine.

As we honor our unity with all that is, our illusion of separateness falls away. When one hurts, we all feel pain, when one finds joy we all celebrate.

This morning we remember those who are suffering in our midst, those experiencing, loneliness, fear, or despair. Though our grief is individual and unique, may we each touch our personal feelings of sadness, loneliness and heartache which unite us all. As we breathe into this pain that connects us to all beings, may we feel the peace and steadfastness of the great I AM that is ever-present and ever within us.

Let us also celebrate our individual moments of divine gratitude. Remembering an experience in nature, maybe of a sunset, illuminating the vast sky in vibrant magical glowing beauty. Or maybe a piece of exquisite music, such as we have heard this morning, that has whisked you off to a place of divine bliss. Or maybe a moment with another an experience of wide-eyed joy with a child, or a deep heart-felt connection with a close friend, and in that moment, there is no separation, there is just beautiful unity that fills you with un-nameable gratitude. Bring one such experience to mind, and let the sensation of awe, wonder, and gratitude wash over your body, feeling it with all of your senses.

We have come together to this place to share in the incredible journey of life, we bring with us our histories and hopes for the future weaving our individual joys and pains into the beautiful fabric that is this community.

Let it be so.

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