Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. Listen to this instrumental version of "What Wondrous Love," which may especially affect you if the tune is new to you. The simple, Southern folk hymn has a plaintive melody that pulls at the heart strings. Our UU words, "To love and to all friends," instead of the traditional references to Christ, bring to mind the message from Thich Nhat Hanh that the next Buddha will be a Sangha—or, in other terms, the next Messiah will be a community.

Contemplate our UU community as a Messiah or Buddha, working at helping others and practicing loving kindness, understanding, and mindful living. What would it feel like to be a part of the community that comprises the Buddha/Messiah? It might feel like being bathed in wondrous love. Whether you visualize that love as a white light, a golden glow, or something else entirely, try to bring that imagery into your day.