This Week's Prayer
Dear Earth and Waters, Air and Sky,
We do not see love the way that we see a tree. Love is an interpretation of what we see and hear – maybe smell, in the case of a meal being lovingly prepared, and taste. Love is an interpretation of feelings that may arise in us, those feelings that seem to pull us forward and toward.
Let us then interpret you, Earth, waters, air, and sky, as extravagantly pouring out your love upon us. Let us understand you as drenching and anointing all of creation. And out of love for us, you gave us a home and brought forth astounding beauty. We might even add, in our imaginations, that you called it good.
Standing, sittling, rolling, or lying in the midst of your vast love, we pray in gratitude.
Ford Motor Company is now producing more electric Mustang Mach-Es than gas-powered Mustangs. Thank you.
General Motors, Honda, Volvo, and Jaguar have promised to stop selling gas cars altogether by 2040. Thank you.
Royal Dutch Shell was court-ordered last month to cut its emissions. Thank you.
Shareholders just forced Exxon to replace a quarter of its board with climate-concerned activist investors. Thank you.
The International Energy Agency this year called solar “the cheapest electricity in history.” Costs of solar and batteries in the United States are one-tenth what they were a decade ago, and the cost of wind energy has fallen 70 percent. Thank you to all who were part of making that happen.
In 2020, 20 percent of US electricity came from renewables. Thank you.
US greenhouse gas emissions last year were down 21 percent from their all-time high. Thank you.
Let our love for you, dear planet, return your love for us.
We also give thanks that the Federal Government this week recognized Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. Thank you. And let us be inspired by this day that marks the liberation of all, and let there be a season of repentance, reconstruction, and reparation, for indeed we are not free – none of us -- until we are all free.
In prayer, we also acknowledge that at times we feel cast at sea – unmoored and lost. We pray for all who worry about the safety of their children and loved ones. Let there be a way toward peace be found in the Middle East.
We ask of ourselves the mindful intention to delight in what is good, to confront what is cruel, to heal what is broken.
Amen.
Covid Review
Worldwide.
The Worldwide numbers are not reliable, and likely are greatly underestimating the actual prevalence of Covid-19. These numbers may nevertheless give us an indication of trends.
New cases per day, worldwide:
Week of May 28 - Jun 3: 458,923 per day. Change from previous week: -15%
Week of Jun 4 - Jun 10: 387,197 per day. Change from previous week: -16%
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 17: 366,810 per day. Change from previous week: -5.3%
Deaths per day, worldwide:
Week of May 28 - Jun 3: 10,563 per day. Change from previous week: -11%
Week of Jun 4 - Jun 10: 9,457 per day. Change from previous week: -10%
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 17: 8,446 per day. Change from previous week: -11%
United States.
New cases per day, US:
Week of May 28 - Jun 3: 15,596 per day. Change from previous week: -33%
Week of Jun 4 - Jun 10: 15,557 per day. Change from previous week: -0.3%
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 17: 12,697 per day. Change from previous week: -18%
Deaths per day, US:
Week of May 28 - Jun 3: 394 per day. Change from previous week: -28%
Week of Jun 4 - Jun 10: 426 per day. Change from previous week: +8.1%
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 17: 316 per day. Change from previous week: -26%
NY + NJ + CT
New cases per day, NY+NJ+CT:
Week of May 28 - Jun 3: 1,137 per day. Change from previous week: -37%
Week of Jun 4 - Jun 10: 1,098 per day. Change from previous week: -3.4%
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 17: 843 per day. Change from previous week: -23%
Deaths per day, NY+NJ+CT:
Week of May 28 - Jun 3: 32 per day. Change from previous week: -33%
Week of Jun 4 - Jun 10: 32 per day. Change from previous week: 0%
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 17: 20 per day. Change from previous week: -38%
In both our tri-state area (NY, NJ, and CT) and the US as a whole, the week ending Jun 10 saw very little progress, and in some cases saw regress. This week, however, thankfully, the trend of decline resumed.
ICYMI ("In Case You Missed It")
Here's the Jun 13 service: "Justice"
Practice of the Week
Nature Practice.
When I’ve asked Unitarians what their spiritual practice is, answers are all over the place. One of the more common answers is Walking in the Woods. Connecting to nature is indeed a vital spirituality. Spirituality is about being a part of something bigger than yourself – the context of belonging that imparts meaning to life. Earth and sky, mountains and waters, trees and animals – and all their complex interrelationships – fits the bill. Here are some entry-level nature spiritual practice that anyone can do.
1. Sit for 5 minutes (or longer) each morning (or evening) and look at whatever you can see from the best window in your home. Use patio, deck, or porch in good weather. Be still. Notice what you might not have seen before. Be curious like a child. Be grateful. Take a deep breath and say thank you before continuing with your day.
2. Go on a short walk in your yard or neighborhood. Appreciate each sign of life and beauty. Stop and look closely at small things. Notice details of color and shape. Be amazed by the intricate web of life in which we live and move and have our being.
3. When you drive to work or on an errand, don’t turn on the radio. While still driving safely, notice trees, grass, flowers, sky, wind, sun, birds, maybe crops, or rain, squirrels and any other animals. Feel blessed by all of these, because you are.
For more about intentionally connecting to nature, see the post, "Nature Practice."
See also our SPIRITUAL PRACTICE DIRECTORY
No comments:
Post a Comment