The United Nations Prayer of Sorrow

In June 1990 the UN held an Environmental Sabbath Service.  A “prayer of sorrow” was part of that service, and Linda’s pastor, the Rev. Margie Good, used the prayer in a service in January.  I thought the night before the New Hampshire Primary would be a good time to post it.

We have forgotten who we are.

We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos.

We have become estranged from the movements of the earth.

We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.

We have forgotten who we are.

We have sought only our own security.

We have exploited simply for our own ends.

We have distorted our knowledge.

We have abused our power.

We have forgotten who we are.

Now the land is barren,

And the waters are poisoned,

And the air is polluted.

We have forgotten who we are.

Now the forests are dying,

And the creatures are disappearing,

And the humans are despairing.

We have forgotten who we are.

We ask for forgiveness.

We ask for the gift of remembering.

We ask for the strength to change.

We have forgotten who we are.

Silence.