On Life with Others
Adapted from "Gates of the House; The New Union Home Prayerbook"
... when I am estanged from others, when walls of misunderstanding rise between us, I fade and wither like a leaf separated from its stem... I need the balm of friendship, the warmth of understanding. How greatly I need to be needed and cherished! I pray... that my soul may know the joy of love given and received, and that no unworthiness diminish me, as I reach out to family and friends.
Open my eyes to the beauty that shines from within all who walk the earth. Keep me from imagined hurts, from seeing foes where only friends are to be found. And give me insight into my own heart, that I may uproot all that weakens me. Help me to be patient when others misunderstand me, open to the thoughts of those who are near to me, and quick to forgive all who wound me. When I feel lonely and forsaken, may I find the strength to bear the ache of my lonliness ... in the confidence that friends will find me once again.... Let me not judge others in arrogant haste, nor follow them in self-abasement.... May we go hand in hand, all conflicts ended, all resentments forgotten. As we walk through life together, let us go in peace, with love that brings harmony and joy, and with respect - whose fruit is enduring friendship.
... when I am estanged from others, when walls of misunderstanding rise between us, I fade and wither like a leaf separated from its stem... I need the balm of friendship, the warmth of understanding. How greatly I need to be needed and cherished! I pray... that my soul may know the joy of love given and received, and that no unworthiness diminish me, as I reach out to family and friends.
Open my eyes to the beauty that shines from within all who walk the earth. Keep me from imagined hurts, from seeing foes where only friends are to be found. And give me insight into my own heart, that I may uproot all that weakens me. Help me to be patient when others misunderstand me, open to the thoughts of those who are near to me, and quick to forgive all who wound me. When I feel lonely and forsaken, may I find the strength to bear the ache of my lonliness ... in the confidence that friends will find me once again.... Let me not judge others in arrogant haste, nor follow them in self-abasement.... May we go hand in hand, all conflicts ended, all resentments forgotten. As we walk through life together, let us go in peace, with love that brings harmony and joy, and with respect - whose fruit is enduring friendship.
