PRAYER FOR THE GARDEN OF OUR SOUL
Kristy Johnson, Leominster, MA
Dear God,
The flowers of our hearts, the buds of our spirits, the promise for a fertile garden of soul
These come from simple beginnings.

From the seeds planted at all different times in our lives,
Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow.
Seeds that often lie buried in ourselves,
Hidden under the manure,
Called Hate, Fear, Loneliness, Disappointment, Anger.

Help us to realize that the best gardens have the best compost,
That from anger and hate and fear can grow
Gentleness, understanding, and love.

For the gardens of our hearts
Are not impenetrable forests,
Nor impregnable thickets
Nor weed-filled
But hidden, nurtured, Waiting for the gardener
To come turn the soil.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: A MASCULINE/FEMININE VERSION
Rev. Dr. William R. Murray, Meadville/Lombard Theological School
Our Father, who are in heaven.
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;
For thine is the kingdom and the
Power and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.

Our Mother, who art the earth,
Sacred are you and all life that comes from your womb.
May your benevolent and nurturing ways
Become the ways of all your offspring whose
Being is rooted and grounded in you.
Out of the bounty of your abundance give us
Who depend upon you this and every day
Sustenance for our lives.
Forgive us for wasting and polluting your rich
Resources even as we resolve to be more
Respectful of all life that springs from you.
And so nurture us that we may not be tempted
To harm you and your other children;
For to you belong beauty and grandeur and
Majesty so long as we in our greed do not
Desecrate and destroy you.
Amen.