Today’s Prayer to Passage continues within the ancient Sanskrit texts of “The Rig Veda”. This month’s spiritual devotion to these sacred writings will take place between May 1 – May 31, 2017.

Today I pray, “Dear God, Today is my grandfather’s 90th Birthday. We, as a family, held a celebration in his honor at my parents’ home on the farm where I grew up. My grandfather’s father, my great-grandfather, built the original house on the farm site where I grew up and where we gathered to celebrate today. My grandfather is 100% Norwegian, a grandson of an American immigrant from Norway. He is an example of faith in what is possible. A house built on possibility — full of loved ones gathered to honor love, family, and miracles. Thank You for today’s celebration. And thank You for my grandfather. Amen.”

Following my prayer, I held the closed book in my hands and opened it to reveal this passage:

“HYMN LXXIII. Bṛhaspati.

1. SERVED with oblations, first-born, mountain-render, Aṅgiras’ son, Bṛhaspati, the Holy,
With twice-firm path, dwelling in light, our Father, roars loudly, as a bull, to Earth and Heaven.
2 Bṛhaspati, who made for such a people wide room and verge when Gods were invocated,
Slaying his enemies, breaks down their castles, quelling his foes and conquering those who hate him.
3 Bṛhaspati in war hath won rich treasures, hath won, this God, the great stalls filled with cattle.
Striving to win waters and light, resistless, Bṛhaspati with lightning smites the foeman.”
—THE RIG VEDA

A family gathering is a wondrous occasion to recognize one another and the gifts we bring. I love and honor my family. I see the connections we share. There is light and love in the rooms where we gather. There are cups that overflow. There is a brightness of honor. And there is peace.