Rev. Dr. Maureen Killoran, M.A., D.Min.
Accredited Interim Minister ~ Unitarian Universalist
  
 Meditations and Prayers

A Prayer for Homecoming:

Blessed is this ground on which we stand.  Holy is this place.

 

Holy are the places of memory,

the places which have formed us,

where we store the icons of success and shattered dreams

and gather threads and pieces of what we would become. . .

Holy are the places of memory.

 

Holy are the places of the dream,

the places over the rainbow,

where all children are wanted and all people are fed,

where colors are the source of celebration

and youth and age come to the table as one. . .

Holy are the places of the dream.

 

Holy are the places of change and pain,

the places of our struggle,

where the rivers of our lives run white and fast,

and we hold on, hold on and grow. . .

Holy are the places of change and pain.

 

Holy are the places of connection,

the places where we risk our selves,

where hands touch hands, touch souls, touch minds,

and in awareness still, we change our lives. . .

Holy are the places of connection.

 

Holy are the places of becoming,

the places of clear vision,

where life and world are intertwined

and we can see forever in this moment

and give thanks. . .

Holy are the places of becoming.

 

Blessed is the ground on which we stand. Holy

-- and whole-making -- is this place.



 

A Chalice Lighting Inspired by Our UU Principles:

In this free church, we come together without creed, focusing instead on the core values of justice, equity and compassion . . .

 

Of mutual acceptance of our diverse ways of being, as we seek to connect ourselves more fully with the unfolding truths of life and of our world.

 

We come together in shared conviction that all people deserve a voice in matters that concern them, and that it is up to each of us to protect the rights of all – particularly those who, for whatever reason, have long been held in silence.

 

We come together in the stubborn belief that community is possible and that peace is more than a dream.

 

We commit together to affirm in our actions as well as our words,  the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

 

We come together in awareness of our interdependence with all humanity, and with the wider web of existence, for that too is part of what is meant by “we.”

 

In this free  church, we come together without creed, believing that the way we live in the world bears testament to the value of our beliefs.

 

We light this chalice as a beacon of hope for those who have gathered here this day.  For all who have ever walked through our doors.  For those who may yet find this spiritual home, and for those whose paths will never come our way.

 

For all this, and for all those things we dare to hope and dream, we kindle our chalice flame this day.

 

(Second last stanza inspired by my colleague the Rev. Erik Wikstrom)

A Prayer in a Time of Transition:
Sacred Energy of Life, we dare this day to make these prayers, that our souls may grow toward wholeness, and the potential for Life's holy creativity may be fulfilled. 
From the tyranny of the trivial, may we be delivered.
From the bustle of busy-ness, may we be free.
From the anxiety of over-involvement, may we be eased.
From the selfishness of unbridled appetite, may we be relieved.
From the paralysis of anticipated failure, may we be released.

May we be granted the gifts of vision and courage to pursue our dreams.
For the confusion of leadership and control, we ask of ourselves forgiveness.
For the rashness of anger, we beg the slowness of a healing breath.
For frailties and faintness of heart, we long for patience and the touch of gentle hands.
That we may act more freely as midwives of justice and live more generously as celebrants of hope, these things we pray.




A Prayer for the Advent of the "Holiday Season:"

We gather this morning,

both because and in spite of

the pressures of the season.

May we on this day commit ourselves

To banish cynicism and welcome wonder.

To downplay our differences

And claim the kinship of community.

May we be mature enough

to free the child we once longed to be.

May we be foolish enough

To deny the raucous demands

of the things

that populate our days . . .

foolish enough to wait, to listen,

and to let the tranquilty of peace blossom

and become the essence of our being.

Words for Kindling a Chalice Flame:

A small flame, this, in a world where power speaks loudly and empathy is too often ignored.

A small flame, this, but then symbols are always much smaller than their signifier.

A small flame, and more, for this flaming chalice is at once our proclamation:

            This gathering bears witness to our belief that community is possible.

            This gathering affirms that human beings can make a difference, that by living our values with love, we contribute to the healing of the world.

A small flame, this, but great is the energy inspired by its light.




Please contact Rev. Killoran for additional prayers

and meditations.