French la Vie

I saw a woman outside my hospital window, her head bent and her hands held in prayer. She was crying. My heart filled with compassion for her. I raised my hand toward her and prayed with her, hoping that whatever she was imploring would be heard.

I imagined a stream of prayers flowing above us—words such as healing, courage, please, forgive, guide me, dear God, save me, peace, restore my faith. A multitude of prayers rising across the world in many languages, offered to the un for so long iversal God of love. They formed a river above our heads, prayers asking for all that we need. I felt it said, “Come to the water, lean into me.”

Our prayers are energy. They carry a universal longing for love, forgiveness, healing, and courage.

My asthma has flared, which brought me to the hospital. I feel safe and warm, and I will heal. As I rest in this bed, my thoughts turn to those living in harsh conditions who truly need our support, our strength, our forgiveness, and our loving guidance. I feel grateful to be in a hospital that stands in peace, to receive medicine that reaches those in need, and to be cared for by doctors who continue their healing work. Without the horror of war closing in.

We are one in this world, whatever faith we hold or whether we walk a spiritual path without a name for God. Love follows love. Love rises above evil. Love lifts humanity away from the impulse to harm one another.

May our prayers become a pure river, flowing across the earth and washing away the shadow that seeks to destroy the beauty within us.