Inaugural Prayer Meditation
By Kit Turen

Dear friends,

We have a wonderful opportunity to serve our nation and the world by holding the upcoming inauguration in communal meditation and prayer. To help us do this, I have felt called to create an inaugural prayer and meditation circle format that you can use as is, or modify with additional readings, music, etc. A suggested format is included below.

I invite you to host a circle and invite others to join you, or simply "tune in" and participate in your own heart, knowing that these inaugural prayer and meditation circles are happening. The suggested time for the Circle is 11:00 AM Washington D.C. time on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009. Inauguration ceremonies begin at 11:30 ET. Click here to find your local time. But if you need to do it at a different time, it's still serving! Feel free to circulate this message.

Blessings and love,
Kit

INAUGURAL GOODWILL PRAYER AND MEDITATION CIRCLES

The intent of these circles is to honor and surround with prayer the historic occasion of the inauguration of our nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, and to offer our collective prayers and blessings for this new beginning in the life of our country. By coming together in this group work and opening our hearts to one another and the Divine, we trust that all of this will have a loving and healing affect for the United States and the world.

"Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" ~ Victor Hugo

Suggested Inaugural Prayer Circle Structure:

Gather in a circle (around a lighted candle if possible)

Welcome all who are in the circle and state the intent of the circle (see above)

Link in Spirit with those participating in other inaugural circles

Invocation for the Soul of the United States (or other nation)
(See below: To be read aloud by all with pauses between the stanzas)

Silent Meditation/Prayer: 20 - 30 minutes

(Opened and closed by the ringing of a chime or bell)

Sharing from the Meditation/Prayer Time

Out loud or in the silence of our hearts.

Closing:

Suggested closing: Amen; OM ; or Shalom (1-3 times)

Invocation for the Soul of the United States (or other nation)
To be read aloud by all, with a pause between stanzas.

May we as nation be guided by the Divine to rediscover the sacred flame of our national heritage, which so many have given their lives to safeguard;

Let the wounds of separation and division be healed by opening our hearts to listen to the truth on all sides, allowing us to find a higher truth that includes us all;

May we learn to honor and enjoy our diversity and differences as a people, even as we more deeply touch our fundamental unity;

May we, as a people, undergo a transformation that will draw forth individuals to lead our nation who embody courage, compassion and a higher vision;

May our leaders inspire us, and we so inspire each other, that a new spirit of forgiveness, caring and honesty be born in our nation;

May we, as a united people, move with clear, directed purpose to take our place within the community of nations to help build a better future for all humankind;

May we as a nation rededicate ourselves to truly living as one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all;

And may God's Will be done for our nation, as we, the people, align with that Will.

Invocation courtesy of the Center for Visionary Leadership: www.visionarylead.org

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Inaugural Prayer and Meditation