Prayer for the New Mexico State University Spiritual Center Groundbreaking - April 25, 2014

NMSU Spiritual Center Groundbreaking 

April 25, 2014

Based on One Hundred Thirty-Seven 

By Debbie Perlman

From Flames to Heaven (my emendations in italics)

Surround Us, Source of holiness, 

with sacred space

Add new growth to this landscape

Fresh roots that will blossom 

in the years to come

Enhancing this environment 

of learning and community

With a special spirit 

of contemplation and hope.

Swirl around us a space of holiness

Of community and truth, 

of justice and celebration

Winding back to our varied roots

that join us together 

in common humanity and struggle,

Rolling forward to eternity.

A gathering place, a home-away-from- home.

Then we shall offer praise to the Spirit of the Universe

For the courage and vision inside each of us,

For tasks in partnership with all of creation.

All voices rising up in one united chorus of rejoicing.

May the Spiritual Center that will rise here be

a place of gathering, of direction, of solitude,

of diverse expression, of affirmation for the value of every person.

May the building that will stand here frame 

wondrous, separate, parallel 

yet harmonious declarations of faith and of faiths.

As we break ground today,

may we begin to imagine how

the inquisitive voices of youth

and the supportive and enlightened guidance

of experienced mentors and teachers

will be transformed

Into a symphony of the soul

That will, every day,

play and sing a holy song

along with the desert wind.