Grant me the ability to be alone;
may it be my custom to go outdoors each day
among the trees and grass - among all growing things
and there may I be alone, and enter into prayer,
to talk with the One to whom I belong.
May I express there everything in my heart,
and may all the foliage of the field -
all grasses, trees, and plants -
awake at my coming,
to send the powers of their life into the words of my prayer
so that my prayer and speech are made whole
through the life and spirit of all growing things,
which are made as one by their transcendent Source.
May I then pour out the words of my heart
before your Presence like water, O L-rd,
and lift up my hands to You in worship,
on my behalf, and that of my children!
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. How do you understand Reb Nachman's prayer?
2. What is the relationship between solitude in nature and prayer? What does Reb Nachman's prayer imply about the need for environmentalism and sustaining nature?
Time Period: Modern (Spinoza through post-WWII)