In this time of struggle for so many, The Dalai Lama’s prayer is appropriate. Some people call this an aspirational prayer, but I don’t think these words express our hope for who we want to be as much as they express who we have forgotten we are. Will you join me in both praying and living this?
May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.
Wouldn’t it be marvelous if this prayer could become our nation’s mission? What would happen if we both prayed and lived the following?
May the United States become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.
And what would happen if this prayer became the world’s song? What if we all got up every morning, fell onto our knees or looked up into the sky, or merely stood and spoke that prayer, that undying pledge for our world? If we spoke it as if we already know it was true, then the world would become what we speak.
This marvelous image is by Rowan Heuvel via Unsplash.