World Day of Prayer -- Love Is Alive
World Day of Prayer readings/prayers: Buddhist
Metta Sutta (a Discourse on What Should Be Done)
Words of the Gautama Buddha. Translated by Sojun Mel Weitsman
Shared with us for this service from Rev. Eden Kevin Heffernan, Head Priest, Richmond Zen
This is what should be accomplished by the one who is wise, who seeks the good and has obtained peace.
Let one be strenuous, upright and sincere, without pride, easily contented and joyous. Let one not be submerged by the things of the world. Let one not take upon oneself the burden of riches. Let one’s senses be controlled. Let one be wise but not puffed up, and let one not desire great possessions, even for one’s family.
Let one do nothing that is mean or that the wise would reprove. May all beings be happy. May they be joyous and live in safety.
All living beings- whether weak or strong, in high or middle or low realms of existence, small or great, visible or invisible, near or far, born or to be born - may all beings be happy.
Let no one deceive another, nor despise any being in any state. Let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another. Even as a mother, at the risk of her own life, watches over and protects her only child, so with a boundless mind, one should cherish all living things, suffusing love over the entire world—above, below, and all around, without limit.
So let one cultivate an infinite good will toward the whole world. Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all one’s waking hours, let one practice the way with gratitude. Not holding to fixed views, abandoning vague discussions, endowed with insight, freed from sense appetites - one who achieves the way will be freed from the duality of birth and death.
And so it is.
World Day of Prayer readings/prayers: Jewish
The following is an excerpt from a Shabbat of Love, readings from Congregation Or Ami and shared with us by Rabbi Ahuva Zaches
Adaption of V'ahavta (from Deuteronomy 6)
Love God with your mind:
Stay curious, open to questions;
Marvel at the wonder of what is.
Love God with your heart:
Stay alive to suffering and joy;
Yearn for the world that could be.
Love God with your strength:
Open your hands and give;
Work for the sake of what ought to be.
God as Beloved by Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Blessed are You, Beloved,
Who shows me the way and accompanies me on the journey.
May I live the day's unfolding with compassion
and foster faith in the One who is All.
Enveloped in Your Light,
may I be a beacon to those who are in search of Light.
Sheltered in Your Peace,
may I offer shelter to those in need of peace.
Embraced by Your Presence,
so may I be present to others.
And so it is.
World Day of Prayer readings/prayers: Celtic
Healing Light: A Celtic Prayer
by Sir Karl Jenkins – specially arranged for the World Choir on Peace
with ‘love’ additions by Andie Gauna
Deep peace of the running waves to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Amen.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the gentle night to you,
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Amen.
Deep love of the running waves to you,
Deep love of the flowing air to you,
Deep love of the quiet earth to you.
Amen.
Deep love of the shining stars to you,
Deep love of the gentle night to you,
Moon and stars pour their loving light on you.
Amen.
And so it is.
World Day of Prayer readings/prayers: Native American
This reading is an excerpt from a short article written for us by Dawn Custalow, a Mattaponi Indian.
Native people in Virginia believe that the land is part of our identity, our history, and our responsibility. Scripture teaches us as well: the earth belongs to God, and we are called to care for what He has entrusted to us.
In Genesis 2:15, the Bible tells us that God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and take care of it.” From the very beginning, God gave humanity a responsibility to care for His creation. We are not owners in the ultimate sense—we are stewards.
For Virginia Indians, the rivers in the Piedmont area have for centuries abounded with fish that our tribes lived from. These waters are now in danger in Virginia which affects the traditional food supply of these tribes. This reminds us of Psalm 24:1, which says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” When we desire to maintain our environment as we knew it in the past, we are not worshiping creation; rather, we are honoring the Creator by caring for what He made and by being good stewards of what He has given.
When we protect a river, a forest, or the land, we are not only protecting something for ourselves. We are protecting it for our children and grandchildren. Native peoples have long understood the importance of thinking about those who will come after us.
The Virginia Indians do have a desire to protect our environment. These values connect deeply with our Christian faith. It is through God’s grace that my people are still here on Virginia land. It is our desire for others to know that we place our faith and our actions in God and ask Him to protect and heal our lands and waters. Yet, more importantly, that God would continue to heal all the people of Virginia from any divisions in our hearts that come from racial differences.
In conclusion, Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ.” May we all know His great love for us, no matter who we are or our backgrounds. And may we all continue to see the evidence of His love for us in this beautiful world that we live in and are stewards of.
And so it is.
World Day of Prayer readings/prayers: Hindu
Following is the Gayatri Mantra. It was recommended to us for our service tonight by Venkat, the president of the Richmond Sai Center, as the most representative for the Hindu practice for Love.
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most sacred and inspiring verses from the Vedas. It is a universal prayer—an invocation for divine light to illuminate our minds and lead us toward truth and wisdom. This mantra is not merely a chant but a profound spiritual practice. Through its recitation, the seeker aligns their consciousness with the universal energy that sustains all life.
- Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah – We focus our minds on the Divine that pervades the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
- Tat Savitur Varenyam – We worship the divine radiance of Savitur, the Sun, the supreme source of all illumination.
- Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi – We meditate upon that sacred, purifying light of the Divine.
- Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat – May that divine light awaken and guide our intellects toward truth, wisdom, and goodness.
(CHANT 3 X)
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimah
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
And so it is.
