A challenge facing humanity at this time in history is processing the grief so many of us feel for the loss of healthy habitat, species, clean air, and more. Here are some beautiful prayers from the lovely book Prayers for Hope and Comfort, by Maggie Oman Shannon (Conari Press, 2008), to help us feel more centered and at peace.

Grandfather,
Look at our brokenness.

We know that in all creation
Only the human family
Has strayed from the Sacred Way.

We know that we are the ones
who are divided
And we are the ones
who must come back together
to walk in the Sacred Way.

Grandfather,
Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion, and honor
that we may heal the earth
and heal each other.
–Objibway people of Canada

When you see something that is broken, fix it.
When you find something that is lost, return it.
When you see something that needs to be done,
do it. In that way, you will take care of your world
and repair creation.
–Lawrence Kushner

Justice rolls down like a river
Compassion and peace shall flow like a stream,
The hills, rocks and valleys, oceans and trees
Sing out their song; We are one.
Sing out their song: We are one.

All of creation, the Great Dance.
Only one tribe, one clan.
Dignity, peace and honor
To the earth, each woman and man.

Deep be the peace of the dark night
Brightened and blessed by the stars
Calling us not to awaken.
Gathering hearts near and far.

Surrounded by rich and ancient wisdom,
Circling within and around,
Embracing the beauty in stillness,
Bursting in one Sacred Sound.

Our hopes and our dreams go before us,
Our longing to heal, to be whole,
Together we birth a new moment,
The Great Work of hands, heart and soul.
–Diane Forrest, OP, “We are One”

We are all children of the Great Spirit, we all belong
to Mother Earth. Our planet is in great trouble and
if we keep carrying old grudges and do not work
together, we will all die.
–Chief Seattle

Adapted from Prayers for Hope and Comfort: Reflection, Meditations, and Inspirations by Maggie Oman Shannon (Conari Press, 2008).