Tag Archive for "safety"

Posts Tagged ‘safety’

For Three Leaders, For the World

Posted on: March 15th, 2022 by Alden

A new prayer for Ukraine and the world. The intention of this prayer is flexibility in use. The three middle stanzas can be removed from the prayer as the situation changes, or if a particular individual or congregation does not want to specifically name world leaders in prayer. It seems to me, however, that in this precarious moment prayers for key leaders are critical. They’re offered here as important, but optional as we all yearn for peace. Along with my “Hero of Ukraine,” this could be part of a multi-prayer liturgy for peace in the region and the world.

For Three Leaders, For the World
G-d of compassion,
Put an end to the war in Ukraine
And all wars throughout the world.
Look with favor on the refugees,
The homeless, the wounded,
The suffering, the starving,
And the newly bereaved.
Grant a perfect rest
Under Your canopy of peace
To those who have perished
At the ugly hand of war.
Extend Your canopy of peace
From the highest heavens
To this earth.

Bless Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
With continued strength and resolve
To defend his people against the onslaught,
Inspiring world sympathy and support.

Bless U.S. President Joe Biden
With wisdom and skill to face the challenge of history
As Europe prepares for a broader conflict
And fears world war.

Bless Russian President Vladimir Putin
With a change of mind,
A change of heart and soul,
To release the tools of war,
To pick up the tools of peace.

G-d of peace,
Release the citizens of Ukraine
From occupation and war.
Grant them resilience and vitality.
Give them comfort and hope.
End this violence and suffering.
For life renewed.
For healing and building.
For a better world.
“Let justice come in waves like water
And righteousness flow like a river” (Amos 5:24),
So that “nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

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Postscript: See also: “Hero of Ukraine.”

Please check out my CCAR Press Grateful/Joyous/Precious trilogy. The individual books are: This Joyous Soul , This Grateful Heart, and This Precious Life. Here’s a link to my ELItalk, “Falling in Love with Prayer..” For reprint permissions and usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” To receive my latest prayers via email, please subscribe (on the home page). You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

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Photo Source: News Sites

Pervasive Peace

Posted on: March 13th, 2020 by Alden

In these difficult times, this one line captures my simplest yet deepest prayer for us all. With so much healing needed, our prayers must rattle the gates of heaven. But sometimes, one line, recited from the heart, is enough.

Pervasive Peace

May it be Your will, G-d of our fathers and mothers,
That the year ahead brings a pervasive and complete peace
On all inhabitants of the earth,
Beyond all dreams of humanity.

,יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ, אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ וְאִמּוֹתֵֽינוּ
שֶׁהַשָּׁנָה הַבָּאָה תָּבִיא שָׁלוֹם מֻחְלָט וְשָׁלֵם
,עַל כָּל־יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל
.מֵעֵֽבֶר לְכָל־חֲלֹמוֹת־הָאֱנוֹשׁוּת

Y’hi ratzon mil’fanecha, Elohei avoteinu v’imoteinu,
Shehashanah haba-ah tavi shalom muchlat v’shaleim
Al kol yosh’vei teiveil,
Mei-ever l’chol chalomot ha-enoshut.

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Postscript: I originally wrote this as a prayer for 5780, but I’m reposting it now in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Please check out my ELItalk video, “Falling in Love with Prayer,” and my two CCAR Press books: This Joyous Soul: A New Voice for Ancient Yearnings and This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day. For reprint permissions and usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” To receive my latest prayers via email, please subscribe (on the home page). You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo by Alden Solovy

Rockets from Gaza

Posted on: November 13th, 2018 by Alden

This is a prayer for safety and peace in Israel. More than 1,300 rockets have been launched at Israel from Gaza from May 10-13, 2021, with no end in sight. This prayer was written in November of 2018 when hundreds of rockets were fired at Israeli cities and towns in the South along the Gaza border. Here is a listing, by date, of the rocket attacks by Gaza terror groups. See also “For the Soldiers of the IDF,” “Children of Gaza, Children of Israel” and “For Peace in the Middle East.”

Rockets from Gaza
Rock of Jacob,
Protector and Redeemer,
Watch over the people of Israel
As rockets rain down from Gaza.
Grant safety to the citizens and residents,
Soldiers and civilians,
Visitors and guests,
During these days of violence and fear.
Guard them,
And guard the entire nation.
Protect this land from violence and assault,
From kidnappers and terrorists,
From missile and mortar,
From those who would destroy this country and our people.

Source of blessings,
Grant safety and security to all nations
So that harmony and blessings resound
From the four corners of the earth.
Let quiet descend upon the land,
And let lasting peace come quickly, in our day.

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Please check out my ELItalk video, “Falling in Love with Prayer,” and This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day. For reprint permissions and usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” To receive my latest prayers via email, please subscribe (on the home page). You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Source: Times of Israel/AP

As Fires Rage

Posted on: November 12th, 2018 by Alden

A prayer to be said as the California wildfires rage, destroying homes and taking lives. See also this prayer “For Firefighters.”

As Fires Rage
G-d beyond my understanding,
Fires consume the land,
Destroying homes and lives,
Blazing into the foundations of serenity and security.
Let the winds cease,
The rain fall,
And the fires be extinguished.

G-d of justice and mercy,
We pray for the people of California.
As fires rage and fear spreads,
We pray for the survivors and the mourners,
The traumatized and the bereaved.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
May people of righteousness and mercy
Come swiftly to their aid.
Grant the fire fighters and first responders
Strength and endurance
As they battle the inferno.

G-d of heaven and earth,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant the people of California
Your protection
And Your peace.

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Photo Source: The Big Picture

Before the Storm: For Hurricane Florence

Posted on: September 12th, 2018 by Alden

Hurricane Florence is headed the Carolina and Virginia coast. The monster storm is predicted to make landfall as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane.

Before the Storm
G-d of heaven and earth,
Source of All,
The Hurricane Florence approaches,
A tribute to the force of creation,
Your power and might.

What chaos will blow with the wind?
What destruction will strike?
Who will suffer? Who will stay secure?

G-d of mystery and awe,
Grant us safety as Florence engulfs our homes and our lives.
Protect us. Shield us. Guard us.
Grant peace of mind to those in fear.
Grant food and clothing,
Warmth and shelter to those in need.
Bless emergency and rescue workers with the tools and skills they need
As they risk their lives for the sake of our families, communities and friends.
Grant healing to those who are sick or injured.
Bless us with common sense throughout the squall — the wind, the rain and the tides —
And with kinship and cooperation when the hurricane passes.

G-d of awe and wonder,
Our Rock and our Refuge,
See us through the gale
And watch us through the night,
For comfort, security and wellbeing,
So that we may serve You in love.

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Postscript: This is a revision of a prayer written for Hurricane Isaac. After the storm, see “Safety After Violent Weather,” a version of “After the Storm” revised in the wake of Hurricane Irene. My other weather safety prayers include: “In Devastation,” “For First Responders,” “After the Tornadoes” “Safety After Violent Weather” and “After the Storm.”

Photo Source: NASA

For Houston

Posted on: August 29th, 2017 by Alden

A prayer for the people of Houston in the wake of Harvey.

For Houston
G-d of earth and sea,
Of ocean and shore,
Source of All,
This storm is relentless and unyielding,
Bringing destruction and chaos.
Who will suffer? Who will stay secure?

G-d of mystery and awe,
Grant us safety as the waters engulf our homes and our lives.
Protect us. Shield us. Guard us.
Grant peace to those in fear.
Grant food and clothing,
Warmth and shelter to those in need.
Bless emergency and rescue workers with the tools and skills they need
As they risk their lives for the sake of our families, communities and friends.
Grant healing to those who are sick or injured,
And solace to the bereaved.
Bless us with common sense throughout the squall
And with kinship and cooperation when the storm passes.

G-d of awe and wonder,
Our Rock and our Refuge,
See us through the torrent.
Watch us through the days and nights,
For comfort, security and well-being,
So that we may serve You
And each other,
In love.

Postscript: See also: “Safety during a Hurricane” and “Safety after Violent Weather.”

Photo Source: CNN

After Matthew: Safety after Violent Weather

Posted on: October 7th, 2016 by Alden

This is a prayer for safety and healing after Hurricane Matthew. Even as the storm moves up the Florida coast, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas have begun the tasks of clean-up, mourning and rebuilding. The perspective is gratitude for survival. It’s difficult to capture in one prayer the range of outcomes and individual experiences from weather events. Here’s a prayer “For the People of Haiti.” For those who have yet to experience the storm, please see “Safety During a Hurricane.” Here’s a prayer “For First Responders” who put thier own lives at risk to save others. Optional language is shown in [brackets].

After Matthew: Safety after Violent Weather
G-d of heaven and earth,
Source of All,
The storm has passed.
Earth, sea and sky are quiet.
The tempest moved on.

Thank you for the kinship of neighbors and friends
As we work together to clean up after violent weather.
Bless those who were injured with healing and recovery.
Bless those who lost family or friends with comfort and hope.
Provide food and clothing, warmth and comfort, to all in need.
Thank you for providing safety and shelter
To my [family][friends][neighbors][parents][children].
Thank you for the emergency and rescue workers
Who kept watch and risked their lives for our community.
As we return to our daily lives,
We pray for the victims of any disaster,
Any violence, suffering or despair.

Blessed are You, our Rock and our Shelter.

Postscript: This prayer first appeared here as “After Irene: A Prayer after Violent Weather” on August 27, 2011. Another example of a prayer after violent weather: “After the Tornadoes.” Other weather and disaster related prayers include: “In Devastation (For the People of Haiti),” which I then rewrote as “In Devastation (For the People of New Zealand)” and used as part of a prayer “For Japan.” I used the prayer “For First Responders (to the Earthquake in Haiti)” as the inspiration for a prayer called “Memorial Prayer for 9-11 First Responders.”

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Photo Source: WikiMedia Commons, Hurricane Fran 1996

Bird Song at Midnight

Posted on: July 26th, 2015 by Alden

This is a prayer for comfort on restless nights. It’s my fourth using birds as the central metaphor. See also: “Bird is Bird,” “First Bird” and “Soarbird.” Click on the video to hear students from HUC-JIR in New York recite it. The text follows. This meditation appears in This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day from CCAR Press.

Bird Song at Midnight
Sometimes a bird will sing at midnight.
Perhaps restless, perhaps confused,
Perhaps so full of joy and love
That music bursts forth.

Fill me with song on sleepless nights.
Fill me with music in the lonely deep.
Let the promise of a new day
Bring comfort and consolation.

Postscript: Thanks to CCAR Press and HUC-JIR for creating this lovely video. See also: “Bird is Bird,” “First Bird” and “Soarbird.”

Video Source: CCAR Press

Prayer before Sleep

Posted on: June 24th, 2015 by Alden

This is a prayer to be said before going to sleep. This piece appears in This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day from CCAR Press. Here’s a related prayer for those who suffer from insomnia.

Prayer before Sleep
G-d,
Watch over my sleep.
Grant me a night of rest and renewal,
And spread Your loving shelter
Over my family and friends,
My [wife/husband/partner/child(ren)/mother/father]
And all who are dear to me.
Keep us safe through the night
And stay present when the morning comes.
This night I’m keenly aware of those in special need of Your care.

Ancient One,
Ease my mind,
Soothe my heart,
Rejuvenate my body,
Restore my strength,
Revive my faith,
So that when I open my eyes
To the new day
I see beauty in Your creation
And marvel in all Your works.
Then, I will rise up
In service to Torah and mitzvot,
In service to Your will,
A testimony to Your Holy Name.

Postscript: Other “quick prayers” include: “Quick Meditation for Today,” “Quick Meditation at Noon,” “Your Name: Quick Prayer at Dusk,” “Quick Meditation at Night” and “Quick Prayer for Healing.”

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Photo Source: Wilkimedia Commons, Flaming June, by Frederic Lord Leighton (1830-1896)

Safety After Violent Weather (Revised)

Posted on: October 30th, 2012 by tobendlight

This expresses gratitude for those who weather a major storm safely, including a prayer for safety and healing for all who are suffering as the result of the storm. It’s difficult to capture in one prayer the unique experiences of individuals and the range of outcomes from weather events. This version removes references to any particular storm. Optional language is shown in [brackets]. See also this revised version of my prayer “For First Responders,” posted earlier today. It’s rare for me to post more than two prayers per week, let alone two on one day. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, I decided to repost these prayers immediately.

Safety After Violent Weather II
G-d of heaven and earth,
Source of All,
The storm has passed.
Earth, sea and sky are quiet.
The tempest moved on.

Thank you for the kinship of neighbors and friends
As we work together to clean up after violent weather.
Bless those who were injured with healing and recovery.
[Bless those who lost family or friends with comfort and hope.]
Provide food and clothing, warmth and comfort, to all in need.
Thank you for providing safety and shelter
To my [family][friends][neighbors][parents][children].
Thank you for the emergency and rescue workers
Who kept watch and risked their lives for our community.
As we return to our daily lives,
We pray for the victims of any disaster,
Any violence, suffering or despair.

Blessed are You, our Rock and our Shelter.

Postscript: My other weather safety prayers include: “In Devastation,” “After the Tornadoes” and “After the Storm.” I used the prayer “For First Responders (to the Earthquake in Haiti)” as the inspiration for a prayer called “Memorial Prayer for 9-11 First Responders.” This prayer was first posted August 27, 2011.

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Posts Tagged ‘safety’

For Three Leaders, For the World

Pervasive Peace

Rockets from Gaza

As Fires Rage

Before the Storm: For Hurricane Florence

For Houston

After Matthew: Safety after Violent Weather

Bird Song at Midnight

Prayer before Sleep

Safety After Violent Weather (Revised)

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