A Prayer for Unity

In this century and in any century,Our deepest hope, our most tender prayer,Is that we learn to listen.May we listen to one another in openness and mercyMay we listen to plants and animals in wonder and respectMay We listen to our own hearts in love and forgiveness May we listen to God in quietness and awe.And in this listening,Which is boundless in its beauty,May we find the wisdom to cooperateWith a healing spirit, a divine spiritWho beckons us into peace and community and creativity.We do not ask for a perfect world.But we do ask for a better world.We ask for deep listening.

- Jay McDaniel, Professor of Religion, Hendrix College, Arkansas