We pray. Why? Many reasons. To connect with G-d. To connect with others. To connect with ourselves. And we use prayers in unique ways. Prayers from To Bend Light have been used in worship services, memorial services, 9/11 commemorations, in hospital rooms, Veterans Day services, as an introduction to a family genealogy, in a cookbook/fundraiser for first responders, two rabbinic theses and even as an epitaph on a headstone. (For complete information on reprints, permissions, using and posting these prayers, see “Share the Prayer!”)
Today marks the second anniversary of sharing my prayers online. So far the prayers, poems and stories posted here have been read more 42,000 times by people in 49 nations. Thank you for your connection and commitment to prayer. Thank you for your ideas and suggestions. And thank you for taking time to read and listen to my words.
The site now has 272 posts, including 215 original prayers and 12 short stories. I’ve also begun posting notes to help readers use these prayers, such as lists of prayers related to specific holidays and seasons like Passover and Counting the Omer, or to find specific topics, like Prayers for Social Justice and Yizkor and Memorial Prayers.
Here are a few of my favorite new pieces posted this year:
- Blessing For a Spouse / Partner
- Messengers
- Oh You Hills, Oh You Sands
- Shall I Cry?
- Gathering: A Dream of Reunion
- Your Light
My Liturgy for 9-11 was read most often in the past year, driven in large part by the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
Special thanks to Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, Brenda Epstein, Alan Schwartz, Gail Hopke, Susan Diamond, Rabbi Paul Kipnes, Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, Rev. Naomi, Rev. Jennifer Danielle Crumpton, Boysen Hodgson and Pastor Austin Fleming, as well as Prayables, RJ Blog, Tzeh Ulimad, A Concord Pastor Comments, Bechol Lashon, Beth Emet: The Free Synagogue, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, The ManKind Project Journal, BeliefNet, Positive Jewish Living, Odyssey Networks and Sacred Journey as well as everyone else I thanked last year or those I may have inadvertently missed, for your support, encouragement and partnership.
With love and blessings,
Alden
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Sadly, also new this year, instances of theft of this material, which leads me to post this additional notice:
Notice
These prayers may be used and shared only as described on this site. For complete information on reprints, permissions, using and posting these prayers, see “Share the Prayer!” No other uses are authorized and are in violation of the author’s copyright. All content on this site is copyright material of Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights are reserved.
© 2012 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
Tags: bless, blessing, pray, prayer, Thank You