Sunday Devotion - Unity and Healing

Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. Last Sunday afternoon the Washington, DC, Community of Christ was part of the annual Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) Unity Walk. This walk is a post-9/11 event that follows a 2 mile path along which there are 11 different faith traditions. The annual Unity Walk brings together hundreds of people from all faiths and backgrounds in a public display of solidarity and hope. We are a nation in need of healing – healing from the COVID-19 pandemic, healing from the friction of partisan politics, healing from the threats of climate change, and healing from the turbulence of the world. This year’s theme was “Healing”. What healing do you need?
    In Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b we are told, “Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community. The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.” As part of our outdoors open house, we offered an opportunity for people to pen their thoughts on healing in whatever words, phrases or prayers they wished to offer and add them to a link of our “Healing Chain”. What words of love, hope, forgiveness, or personal commitment would you put on your piece of the Healing Chain? 

We engaged in some wonderful discussions with the over 100 people who stopped by. For some this was a yearly trek and it was truly special to reunite with one another. For many this was a first-time experience and it was indeed strengthening to share the commonality of being people of faith. It is that feeling of community and spiritual renewal that draws us to one another each Sunday- finding us here at this devotion or online or in-person in worship services. Where do you seek the renewal and healing of the Spirit?

May you walk a Unity Walk of your own where you feel the solidarity and hope of sacred community. Seek healing of your personal spirit and strengthen your relationship with God, others and the earth. 

Dear God, the One who leads us, nudges us and ultimately waits for us as we walk our life’s journey. Thank you for your patience and your encouragement, for providing us opportunities to grow in our relationship with You and with others who walk life’s path with us and whose steps may cross our own.  Help us to see the wounds and scars around us and be part of the healing. Help us see the purpose of our journey as a people of faith and be part of the hope and the promise of a better tomorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen