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Interfaith Story Circle of the Tri-City Area: Opening and Closing Prayers

by Gert Johnson

OPENING PRAYERS FOR AN INTERFAITH STORY CIRCLE

Lord, help us to still our bodies,
our minds and hearts as well,
so that our stories may wield their power
and take us where they will.

The following prayer was inspired by Megan McKenna’s chapter on Words in Israel’s tradition in her book “Keepers of the Story” (Orbis Books, 1997). McKenna says according to the Hasidic tradition, God created man and woman because he was lonely and wanted to tell HIS stories to us. Also, that whenever people gather to tell stories, even God comes to listen. God is enchanted by our stories. In fact, the Rabbis tell us that one of the ways that God keeps holy the Sabbath, the day of rest, is by studying the Torah. Then he prays and looks for stories to listen to and eavesdrops on those who tell! (McKenna, p. 80)

Creator spirit, come be present.
Eavesdrop on the tales we tell
Enable us to share their wisdom,
tell them “true”, tell them well.

CLOSING PRAYER FOR INTERFAITH CIRCLE

Lord, we are thankful for the stories..

for those who have told ..
those who listened...
and those who have been prompted to tell in return.

for all those present who have helped us to....

celebrate the richness and diversity of our traditions... discover that which we hold in common...... connect with each other in “mind and heart”.. by sharing our stories.... sharing the “Light”

Interfaith Story Circle of the Tri-City Area