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Dear Friends:
The prayer vigils for peace at Independence Mall (Market St. between 5th and 6th) continue each Sunday from 5 to 6 pm. Please join us!
The following report on prayer vigil #6 was written by Henry W. Beck of Gwynedd Meeting, who has been a faithful presence at all of the vigils to date:
Once again, on Sunday, May 9, at 5PM there was a silent Peace Vigil across from the Liberty Bell. Our numbers were only slightly reduced. There were about twenty persons in attendance. Approximately half were "regular" attenders, and about half were there for the first time.
We can see the changes in the seasons, when the vigil began six weeks ago the trees were bare and the rain was falling. On this day, the trees were a bright green and sunscreen was being circulated to protect faces from a very bright sun.
As Sandy and I arrived, hope was expressed that this might be our last Sunday meeting in this way. Perhaps the peace negotiations will be brought, with success, to the Security Council. One prays that the bombing of the Chinese embassy will not scuttle the chances for a peaceful resolution. I had made a new sign; the old one was crumpled in the car, "Pray for Peace."
In my eyes, there is elegance to the silent vigil. We demand nothing from anyone. We impose nothing on anyone. Like the tall trees across the mall, or the buildings that surround the Mall, steady and unmovable, we offer our prayers and witness by standing tall. It is not easy. One's back and shoulders begin to hurt even in this brief vigil! I've been told that we are not alone. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season." (Psalm 1)
Many Friends in the Delaware Valley are joining us in prayer at this time, from their homes, or from wherever they may be. If we have to keep on meeting, perhaps they may join with others, and report back about their experiences.
Marcelle ended our time together by verbally offering a prayer that ALL may know God's love. What more could be asked for?
Henry W. Beck, Ph.D.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE
Independence Mall Vigil for PeacePlease join us at our weekly prayer vigils for peace in the world, held in front of the Liberty Bell on Market St. between 5th and 6th, every Sunday from 4 to 5 PM. For more information, contact cityquake@aol.com.
In our reports, participants share their experiences of the prayer vigils and explore beliefs related to their participation. Reports reflect the experience of each author and do not necessarily represent the beliefs or practice of all vigil participants. We welcome your responses, which are forwarded to the individual authors (when possible). We sometimes include part of a response in a future report, unless you ask us not to.
It is meaningful to us that you share in the vigils by reading these reports and in other ways, such as joining us in prayer.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM