Praying for peace or for the “rockets red glare”?
Yesterday the Interfaith Roundtable of Washtenaw County hosted a forum exploring religious healing traditions. Four of the six presenters included song in their demonstrations, launched a powerful discussion about the role of prayer, song, and imagery in healing and change.
The theories and perspectives were widely varied, ranging from the quantum mechanics as it relates to spiritual energy to the power of hypnosis.
Whatever the theory, many participants affirmed their traditions teach that songs and prayers and chants can have an effect on the world, even if that’s only to change the one who prays, sings, or chants.
These actions have power.
Which raises a question, if our songs of peace and prayers for healing do have an effect, what is the effect every Superbowl and
And how should we respond?
I know some peace activists who refuse to stand for the national anthem at sports events, and I’ve been to peace marches that started with the national anthem to show that peace is patriotic.
How do we work for peace and pray for justice in a nation that sings about war?
Please share your thoughs in the comments below.
…and then there are Peace Actions [not 'protests']…that feature ‘You Are My Sunshine’ sung slowly, and as a peace song… and the originally Russian ‘May there always be sunshine [ May there always be blue skies, May there always be Mama, May there always be Me.]‘ and popularized by Pete Seegar. Here in Grand Rapids Michigan we enjoy the many peace songs written/sung by our own Carol Johnson, ‘Love Grows’ and [written for us!] ‘We Create a Circle of Peace [a circle of peace, all around this land. Heart to Heart and home to home, in a circle of Peace we stand.'...
Wouldn't we want this for every child on Earth!
On another topic: National Rifle Association. How do they get so many members? It seems they send annual free memberships to anyone getting a hunting license [how do they get that list??]. By the third time, my son was so angry that he returned that mailing to NRA [at their expense] tied to a brick. He is evidently off their list now.
I agree that we must spread awareness of the power contained in the words we speak. Words are real forces. Everything is created from thought, emotion, and belief. Please visit our website: http://www.ubuntupeaceproject.com
KInd regards, from Bobby (a lady from South Africa)