Wednesdays, I blog about choosing joy as a global concern. Today I'm posting a link that my friend, Cathleen Lauer, shared on her facebook page this morning. It's a video by Playing for Change, a project dreamed up by Mark Johnson, Grammy award winning producer/engineer and film-maker. It was birthed from a desire to connect the world through music. He traveled the world with a mobile recording studio, laying down track upon track of musicians playing the same song. Mark explains the project and how it actually worked in an interview on CNN here.
I'm also posting a short section of one of the prayers found in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Prayers go beyond technology in their ability to connect us. But like the Playing for Change project, they are based on a common desire. Praying for grace for those in hardship, for wise and compassionate leaders, for relief from famine and flood flow out of a commitment to love one another. We can pray generally, or add specifics as we become aware of them through the news and other media.
While engaged in the Playing for Change project, Johnson was given another vision; he and others began a foundation to encourage arts and music education around the globe, putting legs on their desire to make the world a better place. So it is with our prayers. As we begin to pray for those who are in need, we open ourselves up to the nudgings of the Spirit. Committing to love one another, we may be given specific ways in which that can happen.
Like the musicians featured in Playing for Change, we each have a unique voice, we bring unique gifts, but together we share a common goal.
From Form VI in the Book of Common Prayer:
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who
are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
