Paint This Story on the Stones

Selections from Ki Tavo in Deuteronomy 26.1-29.8

You are standing this day before God

Cross over the Jordan and enter the land God is giving you

Come into the land of awakenings

We cried out and with a strong hand God brought us forth from the straits

To this place -- a land of milk and honey                                       Deut: 26.7-9

Nothing lacking consciousness, nirvana – Zen term, mind-nakedness  

See what God does before our very eyes

Delighting in making us prosperous and multiplying us

Let us rejoice in gratitude and offer up the fruits of our actions

Giving the first fruits to God (to everyone)

Make an altar of unhewn stones (natural and unadorned)

A place to re-dedicate your life to God

Love all and serve all

With this abundance serve God in joy and gladness

Listen to the voices of God  

In the wind, in the stars, in the flames, in the wisdom of friends, all about

Affirm this day that you will walk in God’s ways (and do your best)

To observe and live these teachings and be holy to God

Set up great stones. Paint this story on the stones

Plaster and write on them the words of God’s teachings     Deut: 27.2-3

The story is in the stones. Each stone is a letter, a power symbol

Tithe your increase (profits, bonuses, extras). Consecrate your home

By sharing with people so they won’t be in need

Say aloud “My father was a wandering Aramean” (the patriarch Abraham)

A treasured people are we who walk in sacred teachings       Deut: 26.5

Along the natural and harmonious way

Observe faithfully the words of your covenant (with God)

That you may succeed in all you undertake

In the glory of God’s praises we are uplifted to be holy

Now call out to God: “Look forth from your sacred abode

And bless your people and this land”                                        Deut: 26.15