[Fancy]

I open my mouth in astonishment.
Praises fall forth with my every breath.

I bless that I am not the first,
nor shall I be the last,
to wonder under the stars that everything is.

I bless that everything is,
and that I am part of it all.

I bless that no one has any final answers,
and that no name
can be the final name for ultimacy.

I bless that it will still be possible on my deathbed to
grow deeper.

I bless that only the painful work of forgiveness
allows for any real joy in this life.

I bless that what is fractured
still dares to dream of wholeness.

I bless that there is enough to go around
if we give, not grab.

I bless that distance
can usually give way to intimacy.

I bless that justice is only just
if it transforms me
as well as the world outside me.

I bless that the good
are not those who strive to do good,
but those who allow their hearts to be vulnerable
to the inherent dignity of others.

I bless that peace
can never be declared impossible,
even in the Middle East.

I bless that ruined cities and ruined lives
can often be rebuilt.

I bless that prayers like this
are not foolish incantations,
but invitations to bless, question, and praise
as often as possible.

I bless that there is no place in the whole universe
that is not as sacred as any temple.

I bless that my breathing
can be a kind of thanking.

I bless the peace that takes nourishment
at the breast of justice.

I bless that both singing and silence are possible.

~Mark Belletini