Once a month, I lead a congregational service called Parables, designed for the whole community but crafted especially with, for, and by disabled and neurodivergent people. It’s a joy, and you can learn more about this community here (midway down).
Likewise, once a month, residents from a local community center come to the service. They have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I love the ways they participate and lead at Parables. During the service, we have time to mention celebrations or concerns, particularly lifting up loved ones who need care or challenges in our world. Because these residents are very eager to share during this time, we often encourage people to share just once — though they can mention anyone they would like.
Often, it turns into lists like this:
“I want to pray for my dad, my cousins, my boss, my roommate, and my cat.”
Then we all say together,
“God, because you are mercy and justice, you always listen and care.”
Sometimes, these lists become very long. Not onerous in any way — just a chance to truly name the people who are closest to us. And I realize that in addition to praying for people, this becomes an opportunity to be seen and heard while naming the people we love. These are people we want lifted up, and whose names we want voiced aloud.
Whether we pray or not, I find myself thinking… Wouldn’t it do us all good to name aloud a list of our loved ones? To remind ourselves that we are connected, that we care, and that we are cared for?
—Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 