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Today I am giving the invocation for our 9/11 fifteenth anniversary memorial service sponsored by our local clergy association. This is what I am going to say:

“Our heavenly Father, Mother, God, you are all harmonious. You are ever with us. You are infinite, all-powerful, redeeming, and merciful. You are Love itself. We know you were not in those terrible attacks 15 years ago; you did not authorize that horrible loss, senseless violence, destruction and devastation. But you were on the face of each one of those brave first responders, and are at the heart of every desire for a more compassionate, caring, and sustainable world. Please teach us how to coexist in peace. Help us to honor one another and embrace our differences. Mend our brokenness and erase all hate from the earth. ‘Feed the famished affections.’ You are our Life itself, which continues without end. We are all bound up together in You. Establish in us loving thoughts, and a spirit of helpfulness toward others.  Inspire in us practical actions that shine the light of healing and solidarity into every consciousness– until each one of us, without exception, knows, feels, and expresses your love in all ways at all times.”

Polly Castor

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