This weekend we “control time” as we set our clocks back one hour to facilitate more efficient energy use. Nature ever so gently invites us to consider the unitive energy between darkness and light. Between the full moon and the vibrant, red dawn, sacred, liminal space exists.
So, too, our nation has been marking time in liminal space, counting down the days to the election, nurturing the frenetic energy contrasting light and dark, bombarding us via candidate advertising, dualistic either/or language among pundits, variances in COVID protocol … In these final days prior to Election Day, we may be sensing a shift, finding ourselves quivering inside, digging deep within to find the courage to “keep on keepin’ on” beyond Nov. 3, 2020.
“The dark lets the Divine shine,” expresses Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby, “This moment calls for spiritual courage to face the struggle and trust that the Divine spark is alive in our midst loving us into courageous action, wise words, and generous hearts.”
We are grateful to Sister Simone for offering this prayer that compels each of us to embody LIGHT in the world.
“The very first paragraph of the Scripture that informs the three Abrahamic traditions tells us: ‘The Divine Spirit breathed over the waters of chaos and brought forth a new creation.’ Encouraged by this promise that a new creation can come from chaos, let us pray:
O Divine Spirit!
During the weeks and months ahead, stir our hearts and minds that we might embody a vision that is worthy of you and your call to honor the dignity of all of your creation.
A vision of who we are as a people, grounded in community and care for all, especially the most marginalized.
A vision that cares for Earth and heals the planet.
A vision that ends structural racism, bigotry, and sexism so rife now in our nation and in our history.
A vision that ensures hungry people are fed, children are nourished, immigrants are welcomed.
O Spirit, breathe in us and our leaders a new resolve … that committed to this new promise, we will work together to build a national community grounded in healing, fearlessly based on truth, and living out of a sense of shared responsibility.
In the name of all that is holy, O Spirit, bring out of this time of global and national chaos a new creation, a new community that can—with your help—realize this promise that we affirm today.
With profound hope, let the people say: Amen!”
—Simone Campbell, SSS, “Seeking the Divine in the Darkness: Braving this Time with Courage and Wisdom,” Network Connection, 3
(To see Sister Simone deliver this prayer, visit networklobby.org/2020dnc. To see more of her thoughts, visit networklobby.org/20201013envisioning/.)
—Ann Jackson, PBVM, Prairiewoods spiritual services coordinator