Listen!
PRAYER we thank you for all the justice that is in the world for the compassion mercy love people show each other and for health long life plentiful food quiet streets spacious living rooms we are profoundly grateful our peaceful neighborhoods mainly loveable children moments of relaxation relatively small payments variety of entertainment quick access to help (emergency!) power given to see all ease of travel sound sleep at night wealth of supplies lucky friends freedom from confinement harsh guards illness boredom long hours of terror brutal labor pain of memory pain of anticipation heart closed inside itself from fear all move us to joyous and frequent thanksgiving and that the frequency of thanking has become so repetitive that we can do it without straining a gesture as well learned and casual as setting down a cup without spilling yes for the very unexceptional and almost thoughtless gratitude we are able to have for this above all we shout rejoices and praises till the noise of it rolls away distant and harmless amen
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