Prayer for Peace from the Peace and Justice Committee:
I propose an Interfaith Prayer for the third week of our Friday prayer and fast. My suggestion is that we meditate on four of the famous EIGHT VERSES ON TRAINING THE MIND by Geshe Lang-tri Tang-pa of the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition. The resemblance to the Third Degree of Humility is striking. Humility is a powerful way to eliminate personal violence and contribute to the peace of the world. Joan Kirby

1. With a determination to accomplish
The highest welfare for all sentient beings,
Who surpass even a wish-granting jewel.
I will learn to hold them supremely dear.

2. I will learn to cherish beings of bad nature
And those oppressed by strong sins and sufferings
As if I had found a precious treasure
Very difficult to find.

3. When others out of jealousy treat me badly
With abuse, slander, and so on,
I will learn to take all loss
And offer the victory to them

4. When one I have benefited with great hope
Unreasonably hurts me very badly,
I will learn to view that person
As an excellent spiritual guide.

ACTIVITY:
1. Today let us acknowledge at least one mistake we have made and spend a few minutes reflecting on what we have learned.

2. Describe a disagreement between people. What was each person;s point of view? How could a little humility on the part of each make a difference?

3. What can we learn from Ghandi , Mandela or Ruby Bridges about humility?

PRAYER: God, our creator, we come to confess that we have failed:
We have not made room for our sisters and brothers to be themselves;
We have clung to the narrow limits imposed by false expectations.
Gracious and accepting God, forgive us.
For our failure to accept the pain of others,
Our refusal to stand alongside the hurt of other women,
Help us to start again, accepting with joy our whole humanity, made is your
image, so that we may be one with all in mind and spirit as an offering to
your glory.

Postscript:
On November 16 the month of Ramadan begins. During this ninth month of the Muslim's lunar calendar all Muslims fast by abstaining from food, drink, sex and all sorts of immoral acts from dawn to sunset. Can we pray and fast in preparation for this holy month for the Muslims?