Transylvanian Unitarian prayers

For entering and departing a church.

Fall 2010 9.1.10

I have entered your house of worship, O gracious God. My prayers are seeking you, and I hear your voice. Loving God, be with me, show me your holy face, fill my heart and my spirit, let me feel your loving presence.

I depart with joy in my heart filled with peace and stillness. My soul has found rest here because you have been with me. Guide me, protect me, help me always, O loving God.

Prayed silently by the Unitarians in the Transylvanian region of Romania upon entering and leaving their churches, as described in Gretchen Thomas’s new book, Walking in Others’ Shoes: Stories from the Early Years of the Partner Church Movement. An excerpt from her book appears on page 26.