A Prayer among Friends

Among other wonders of our lives, we are alive
with one another, we live here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn’t ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.

WorshipWeb is grateful to Mr. Daniel for granting permission to publish this poem, which appears in his book Of Earth: New and Selected Poems, published by Lost Horse Press.

A person cups their hands to hold multi-colored confetti

Dependence Day

By John Daniel

From WorshipWeb

It would be a quieter holiday, no fireworks or loud parades, no speeches, no salutes to any flag, a day of staying home instead of crowding away, a day we celebrate nothing gained in war but what we’re given — how the sun’s warmth is democratic, touching everyone, and the rain is democratic...

Dependence Day