Dear Friends,
On Sunday, November 21, seven of us gathered at the Liberty Bell for our weekly prayer vigil for peace. We were happy for the presence of Ellen Hill of Willistown Meeting, who was joining us for the first time. The following report was written by Steve Gulick of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting:
I have attended the Independence Mall vigil off and on since the first one on April 4. Many of them have been powerful, but I have never entered into a discipline with myself for the duration of the vigil.
On November 21, I arrived in a more spiritual-discipline mode, because of my monthly meeting's worship that morning. I stood looking around me centering myself and found myself led to look for God in each person.
People young and old, male and female passed by. I found myself looking through external differences and experiencing an intense beauty in all faces and forms. I was aware of joy, of curiosity, and, in some cases, intense suffering, but through it all God was looking back at me.
I became aware of the beauty of all the created world [rather than the built world] around me — sky, trees, a large bird perched at the top of a wintry tree, as well as the people. The intensity of the beauty brought tears to my eyes.
Shortly after the tears arrived, a man passed, looking into my face. I watched his face soften as he saw my tears. Somewhat later and somewhat less teary, I watched a woman pass who smiled warmly and broadly. I returned the smile. In both cases, I had the feeling that we had both experienced grace of some kind.
I was glad that my sign, which I have had for some time now, says "Disarm for Peace!" "People can see that I am praying or worshiping or experiencing that of God," I thought; "I'm glad my sign has an additional message."
I am grateful for this continuing public worship. Grateful for the other work for peace that we all do and can do together. Grateful for the visions of God.
In peace and solidarity,
Steve
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