Prayer Vigil for the Earth: Recently Added Galleries and Collections

2008 Prayer Vigil for the Earth

oneprayer4@aol.com (Prayer Vigil for the Earth) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Spontaneity, connection, intimacy, and continuity characterized the 16th Annual Prayer Vigil for the Earth—a fitting tribute to the Sacred Circle created by our 100% volunteer community; the Sacred Circle of completing 4 cycles of 4 years each; and the Sacred Circle of All Life. We express gratitude, sharing, hope and happiness with the brothers and sisters of diverse spiritual traditions and cultures.

Each person at the Prayer Vigil for the Earth has their own experiences and insights so a summary can only touch on a little of what happened. There is a background sense in each of us, in our own way, of the presence of spirit that made itself known in the light, the clouds, the birds, the movement of the leaves, the brightness of people's eyes, the hugs and the love.

Spirit is in charge of continuity. The guidance and foundation of Native American traditions continue to open the Prayer Vigil with a Sacred Pipe ceremony, a path of all hearts’ oneness. That spiritual path of unity walks on this Earth in many forms and one of its expressions is caring for future generations.

Thus, in 2008 we experienced a balance and blend among familiar and new experiences. It is a joy to see and hear the voices of the folks who have participated in previous Prayer Vigils for the Earth. The Vigil feels like an annual reunion of friends with a spiritual focus on harmony with the Earth and harmony with each other. The new people we met and the new expressions of prayer and ceremony were inspiring as was the high level of cooperation and coordination amongst volunteers. Sweet, uplifting, and the drumming was sublime.

Join us next to the Washington Monument October 10 &11, 2009. We look forward to seeing everyone again and all the new people.

Prayer Vigil Photo History 1993-2008

oneprayer4@aol.com (Prayer Vigil for the Earth) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Photo History 1993-2008 presents a visual record of the rich tapestry of participants, cultures, religions and beliefs that incorporate the Prayer Vigil for the Earth. We have selected images that we believe are representative of the experience of the Vigil since its inception in 1993.

The Photo History can be viewed as individual images or as a slide show. We have included captions for each image that identifies the participant or event and provides more in-depth information. To access the caption, please click on the individual image or if you are in the slide show, pass your mouse over the little balloon on the lower right hand corner of your screen.

Thank you for viewing a profound expression of our common humanity.

Website: www.oneprayer.org
Contact: oneprayer4@aol.com
Photographer: Bill Sanda

2007 Prayer Vigil for the Earth

oneprayer4@aol.com (Prayer Vigil for the Earth) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It’s hard to believe the 15th Prayer Vigil is now in the past, as the love that flowed through it still resonates. For all of you who weren’t there physically, you were with us inspirit. The Vigil began with a soft, clear sunrise on Sat, Oct. 20, after powerful rain and wind blew through the night before, sending tipis and canopies flying – beyond the Washington Monument! All the work by those who set up, tossed up like a salad. But at dawn, as the sacred fired was lighted, it was calm. The peace pipe was passed as we gathered in a circle and Clyde Bellecourt, Ojibway Nation, and Sharon Franquemont, Prayer Vigil co-founder, led us into this Prayer Vigil. It was the beginning of an amazing 33 hours of oneness and mindfulness; joyfulness and respect; energy and peace. We were in a community that welcomed all, open and safe.

The sun shone upon us during theday, a gleaming crescent moon was suspended above at night. As the tipis andother structures were put back together, circles of sharing and prayer and music took shape. The greetings of the drums pulsated – First Nation, Africanand Japanese Taiko. As always, ceremonies flowed throughout the 33 hours.The moist earth softened and dried beneath our moving feet. Sage and tobacco burning in the sacred fire sweetened the air. The honoring of Rabiah Rayford, who blessed the Prayer Vigil for many years withher vibrant song and dance and who passed on this past April, was followed by the beautiful Zoroastrians in white chanting, the blessings of children by Mother Mary Sunbeam -- then the amazing children playing the Taiko drums of Shinji Shumeikai!

A wonderful array of people participated in the World Peace Prayer Flag Ceremony -- including a homelessman who delighted in it – naming the countries of the world as they carried colorful flags waving in the wind, shining in the sun. And so many voices happily rose together for the Prayer Vigil Song, and people shook rattles and bells and danced during the drumming circles. Rev. Sydney Byrd led the Christian prayer. Later the Circle of Compassion, created by Rev.Betsy Stang, Prayer Vigil co-founder, kept expanding as people joined to offer their words for peace. People mindfully walked the magical labyrinth, marked by 500 wild turkey feathers, throughout the Vigil. There were the soothing and graceful dancing of the Universal Dance of Peace.

As dusk gently settled, the Sufis had people chanting and dancing with great energy. Youth from the KPC Buddhist Center led the participants in chant and prayer accompanied by drums. Later, Rabbi David Schneyer led Jewish song and dance. The night ended with a corn meal offering to Mother Earth led by Lakota Haise Frazier. As always, there were moving prayers by the fire during the night for those living, passed and for the world.

Following the honoring of the Fire Keepers and morning peace pipe ceremony led by Dorien Day, there were Christian services, breaking the bread, and a ceremony to heal and honor the Middle East with Christians, Muslim and Jews. The chanting Sufis returned, offering prayers as the sun flowed over the Vigil. The community then passed under the canopy of compassion and received sweet, sacred dates and water, and formed a line where love was shared in many languages and strong, warm hugs. We offer deep gratitude and appreciation to those who worked so hard. See you next year on Oct. 18-19, 2008.

Overview of the Prayer Vigil

oneprayer4@aol.com (Prayer Vigil for the Earth) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Overview of The Prayer Vigil for the Earth 1993-2007 presents a brief visual record of the rich tapestry of participants, cultures, religions and beliefs that incorporate the Prayer Vigil. We have selected images that we believe are representative of the experience of the Vigil since its inception in 1993. If you wish to see the full version of the Prayer Vigil Photo History, please click go back to our Home page on Zenfolio and click on "Prayer Vigil Photo History 1993-2006."

The Overview can be viewed as individual images or as a slide show. We have included captions for each image that identifies the participant or event and provides more in-depth information. To access the caption, please click on the individual image or if you are in the slide show, pass your mouse over the little balloon on the lower right hand corner of your screen.

Thank you for viewing a profound expression of our common humanity.

Website: www.oneprayer.org
Contact: oneprayer4@aol.com
Photographer: Bill Sanda

2006 Prayer Vigil for the Earth

oneprayer4@aol.com (Prayer Vigil for the Earth) — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 17:31:00 GMT

The 2006 Prayer Vigil marked our return to the Washington Monument. After a 3 year absence, the site pulled us home and the result was an unprecidented spirit of unity and co-creation.

The Vigil is a volunteer event with all services, logistics and support donated by the participants. The next Prayer Vigil will take place on October 20-21, 2007.

Website: www.oneprayer.org
Contact: oneprayer4@aol.com
Photographer: Bill Sanda