Novena for Peace: Day 7 – Peace In Our Hearts

Peace In Our Hearts I have long contended that we cannot have peace in the world until we have peace in our hearts. This lesson has been taught by religious leaders across time, faiths, and belief systems. Something that universally taught must be true. If we can learn to experience inner peace, we can recognize our Oneness … Read more

Novena Day 6: Power in Small Things

Power in the small things “If we just worry about the big picture, we are powerless. So my secret is to start right away doing whatever little work I can do. I try to give joy to one person in the morning, and remove the suffering of one person in the afternoon. If you and … Read more

Novena Day 4: The Sacred Space Between Us

On this weekend, with a bit more time to reflect on our journey toward peace, Hedy Schleifer beautifully explains the power of connection that exists in what Jewish philosopher Martin Buber called the sacred space that lives between us. That sacred space exists between any two people or cities or countries and we must “cross the … Read more

Novena for Peace: Day 3 Shattered Lives

Shattered lives, prayers for peace Yesterday in Connecticut violence ripped through 27 families, a community, and the whole nation. Numb disbelief settles on us as we imagine the horror of mothers and fathers who wailed through the night for their little ones sent off to school to never return home again. Words are so inadequate. What comfort … Read more

Novena Day 2: Forgiveness & Right Action

Two great modern teachers speak to us today and help us understand that the power to create peace truly resides within our own souls. When we can act in accordance with our principles and forgive our frailties and the frailties of others, peace will settle in us. And when it does, we will have an abundance to share. Forgiveness … Read more

Would You Trade 10 Minutes of Your Time for Peace?

Over a decade ago, sparked by my distress over the United States starting two wars in the Middle East, I began inviting friends and family to pray with me a Novena for Peace during the holiday season. Some might—and some have—called this a naïve gesture that won’t make a difference. Given the social unrest at … Read more