Shared Community

Circle of Light

“A blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal, and strengthen.”

John O'Donohue

We have a tradition during worship at Pilgrim Church called, “Prayers of the People,” when members of the congregation bring up concerns and joys; things for which we want prayer. We speak aloud the celebrations in our lives, griefs, people who are sick or in trouble, the world and its leaders. We respond to each statement with, “Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers,” or, “For all God's goodness, thanks be to God.”

When we first began this practice, hardly anyone spoke up—it seemed too personal; somehow exposing our vulnerabilities, our secret darkness. Nowadays, it's hard to cut it off and get on with worship. We all go away knowing who's brother is sick, who's son is drunk, and who's out of a job; who's dying, who's already dead, who's got a new grand-baby, and who needs money. We pray for refugees and children in war-torn countries; we pray that Congress will do what they're elected to do! (Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.) Sometimes, we even pray for Mr. Putin. It can go on and on, and some folks get fed up with it. They don't want to hear all that real life drama, when we're in there to sing hymns and get out by noon.

Personally, I think that's precisely what we're there to do. Shed light, share burdens, bind our hearts in solidarity for the greater good. We are together as a community of faith to hold one another up during times of difficulty, and to celebrate our collective joys. I'm not a terribly religious person, believe it or not, but I have tremendous faith in the strength of community. All human beings need a tribe, and we can identify our tribe in a multitude of ways, some healthy, some not. We can find kindred spirits through work or play, in a bar, or a gang, in a meditation group, a 12-Step meeting, or a place of worship. I prefer to find my light in this small church community, because there is enough darkness within me to suffice.

If you have an opportunity to draw a circle light around someone today, don't hesitate. It's not necessary to say anything; just walk beside them for a little while, and hold them in your heart.

                                                              In the Spirit,

                                                                   Jane