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Blessing of the Bicycles

by Nadia Bolz-Weber 05-28-2009 | 2:00pm
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gp_bike1Urban biking is not without peril. Many of my parishioners rely almost exclusively on human-powered transportation and do so while competing for road space with motorized vehicles. As a way of acknowledging the inherent goodness of God's gifts of life and health and the humble but elegant bicycle, we decided to conduct a Blessing of the Bicycles for the entire Denver cycling community. This event was open to all regardless of religious affiliation, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, fat or thin tires, and brand of bike. We even welcome unicyclists and Unitarians. Some may take it more seriously than others but it doesn't matter. As we swing our thurible of incense over the Schwinns and Cannondales, we do so as a human community seeking God's blessing and protection for all who brave our city streets on two wheels.

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Our prayers:

Present in a world groaning under the excesses of consumption, we acknowledge the inherent goodness of non-motorized human powered transportation and give thanks for the simple beauty of the bicycle. God of life,

Hear our prayer.

Present in a community filled with children, we pray for those learning to ride. Keep them smart, safe, and visible on their neighborhood roads. God of life,

Hear our prayer.

Present in a community filled with strife, we pray for the victims of road rage and bike theft. And we ask for the strength to forgive mean people. God of life,

Hear our prayer.

Present in a world of work, we pray for those who build, repair, and clean our bikes and those who rely on bicycles to earn their living. Bless those who choose to not drive to work and those for whom driving isn't even an option. God of life,

Hear our prayer.

Present in a community of beautiful diversity, we ask your protection and blessing on all who ride: pedi-cabbies, weekend warriors, athletes, homeless folks, students, children, eco-warriors, bike co-op anarchists, messengers, and all the others who take to the Denver streets, bike paths, parks, and mountains. Keep us safe as we ride. God of life,

Hear our prayer.

We now observe a moment of silence for all who have died while riding

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by: kosmetyki

07-21-2011 @ 1:55pm

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by: sunless tanner

06-28-2011 @ 10:44pm

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Im naive to websites and just heard about trackbacks, which I reckon is a means for me to acknowledge your website through a linkback through my blog. I found your site in the "currently buzzing" section of one of the bookmarking sites that I was po...

by: 110cc dirtbikes

05-24-2010 @ 2:14am

I think that's really nice. I was a bit nervous when I began reading this article because I'm not religious and I LOVE the fact that you mentioned any religious affiliation and sexual orientation were invited. Good for you for being open and not discriminating :) That means a lot to so many people. Thank you for doing your part to better this world!

by: 110cc dirtbikes

05-24-2010 @ 2:14am

I think that's really nice. I was a bit nervous when I began reading this article because I'm not religious and I LOVE the fact that you mentioned any religious affiliation and sexual orientation were invited. Good for you for being open and not discriminating :) That means a lot to so many people. Thank you for doing your part to better this world!

by: Police Car Auctions

07-25-2011 @ 6:43pm

Police Car Auctions...

Hi there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's new to me. Anyhow, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back frequently!...

by: mobilt bredband

06-09-2011 @ 8:51pm

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by: Slump

08-10-2011 @ 9:38pm

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08-10-2011 @ 9:38pm

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by: Ringer

06-01-2009 @ 1:05am

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: Police Car Auctions

06-27-2011 @ 4:00am

Car Auctions...

Hey there! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have ...

by: csmith133

05-28-2009 @ 2:19pm

As a UU minister and avid cyclist, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it.

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05-16-2011 @ 3:30am

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by: Ngchen

05-28-2009 @ 5:16pm

While the prayer is admittedly tacky, I don't see why a push for more cycling (which is currently the most energy-efficient method of transport known) can't be a part of creation care.

Bikes can be in a sense not only utilitarian, but also egalitarian. Sure, someone can always get a $1000+ model, but decent rides are available for much less. And the increase in mobility, especially for those living in the city, can be huge for those who can't/won't get a car (I know that riding ~12 mph is around the same speed on average that a city bus goes). In terms of health, cyclists frequently use their commute to skip the gym (and reduce health-care costs). In addition, the increase in mobility would allow more inner-city folk to eat healthier by being able to get the veggies and fruits that the inner city markets tend not to have.

When one considers the benefits, one has to wonder why more effort isn't made to fund cycling infrastructure in towns and cities (my city recently spent $190 million for a needed interstate intersection - with that kind of money, we probably could have made ALL the major cities in the state top-rated in terms of bike friendliness.) Cycling dollars so far tend to be the leftover scraps in the budget.

by: Butler Auto Auction

07-29-2011 @ 6:20pm

Butler Auto Auction...

Hi there! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If y...

by: csmith133

05-28-2009 @ 2:19pm

As a UU minister and avid cyclist, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it.

by: Grade

07-31-2011 @ 3:51pm

Write...

[

by: Ngchen

05-28-2009 @ 5:16pm

While the prayer is admittedly tacky, I don't see why a push for more cycling (which is currently the most energy-efficient method of transport known) can't be a part of creation care.

Bikes can be in a sense not only utilitarian, but also egalitarian. Sure, someone can always get a $1000+ model, but decent rides are available for much less. And the increase in mobility, especially for those living in the city, can be huge for those who can't/won't get a car (I know that riding ~12 mph is around the same speed on average that a city bus goes). In terms of health, cyclists frequently use their commute to skip the gym (and reduce health-care costs). In addition, the increase in mobility would allow more inner-city folk to eat healthier by being able to get the veggies and fruits that the inner city markets tend not to have.

When one considers the benefits, one has to wonder why more effort isn't made to fund cycling infrastructure in towns and cities (my city recently spent $190 million for a needed interstate intersection - with that kind of money, we probably could have made ALL the major cities in the state top-rated in terms of bike friendliness.) Cycling dollars so far tend to be the leftover scraps in the budget.

by: Gutheoushlos

07-29-2011 @ 9:13pm

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by: squeaky

05-29-2009 @ 4:00pm

My car blew a head gasket when I lived in Washington State, but fortunately I had a bike. It was probably the most freeing 6 months of my life. I had a job with a 20 mile round trip commute, but only a couple days a week. Fortunately, my great aunt lived in the town I worked, so I was able to stay with her some evenings. I invested in panniers so I could have the cargo space to bring home groceries. I walked or biked everywhere I needed to go. It was really a pretty fun lifestyle, one I even miss a little. In a nation where obesity is epidemic, I would think more thought would be put towards investing in a bike commuter system.

by: registry cleaners

07-04-2011 @ 1:06pm

registry cleaners...

Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks...

by: squeaky

05-29-2009 @ 4:00pm

My car blew a head gasket when I lived in Washington State, but fortunately I had a bike. It was probably the most freeing 6 months of my life. I had a job with a 20 mile round trip commute, but only a couple days a week. Fortunately, my great aunt lived in the town I worked, so I was able to stay with her some evenings. I invested in panniers so I could have the cargo space to bring home groceries. I walked or biked everywhere I needed to go. It was really a pretty fun lifestyle, one I even miss a little. In a nation where obesity is epidemic, I would think more thought would be put towards investing in a bike commuter system.

by: Ringer

05-31-2009 @ 11:05pm

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: Jezyk Angielski Dabrowa G

08-16-2011 @ 12:08am

angielski...

Hello! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have a...

by: Ringer

06-01-2009 @ 1:05am

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: 110cc dirtbikes

05-24-2010 @ 2:14am

I think that's really nice. I was a bit nervous when I began reading this article because I'm not religious and I LOVE the fact that you mentioned any religious affiliation and sexual orientation were invited. Good for you for being open and not discriminating :) That means a lot to so many people. Thank you for doing your part to better this world!

by: Ringer

05-31-2009 @ 11:05pm

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: Trap

08-13-2011 @ 2:30pm

Branal...

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by: Trap

08-13-2011 @ 2:30pm

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Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: csmith133

05-28-2009 @ 2:19pm

As a UU minister and avid cyclist, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it.

by: csmith133

05-28-2009 @ 2:19pm

As a UU minister and avid cyclist, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it.

by: Ngchen

05-28-2009 @ 5:16pm

While the prayer is admittedly tacky, I don't see why a push for more cycling (which is currently the most energy-efficient method of transport known) can't be a part of creation care.

Bikes can be in a sense not only utilitarian, but also egalitarian. Sure, someone can always get a $1000+ model, but decent rides are available for much less. And the increase in mobility, especially for those living in the city, can be huge for those who can't/won't get a car (I know that riding ~12 mph is around the same speed on average that a city bus goes). In terms of health, cyclists frequently use their commute to skip the gym (and reduce health-care costs). In addition, the increase in mobility would allow more inner-city folk to eat healthier by being able to get the veggies and fruits that the inner city markets tend not to have.

When one considers the benefits, one has to wonder why more effort isn't made to fund cycling infrastructure in towns and cities (my city recently spent $190 million for a needed interstate intersection - with that kind of money, we probably could have made ALL the major cities in the state top-rated in terms of bike friendliness.) Cycling dollars so far tend to be the leftover scraps in the budget.

by: Ngchen

05-28-2009 @ 5:16pm

While the prayer is admittedly tacky, I don't see why a push for more cycling (which is currently the most energy-efficient method of transport known) can't be a part of creation care.

Bikes can be in a sense not only utilitarian, but also egalitarian. Sure, someone can always get a $1000+ model, but decent rides are available for much less. And the increase in mobility, especially for those living in the city, can be huge for those who can't/won't get a car (I know that riding ~12 mph is around the same speed on average that a city bus goes). In terms of health, cyclists frequently use their commute to skip the gym (and reduce health-care costs). In addition, the increase in mobility would allow more inner-city folk to eat healthier by being able to get the veggies and fruits that the inner city markets tend not to have.

When one considers the benefits, one has to wonder why more effort isn't made to fund cycling infrastructure in towns and cities (my city recently spent $190 million for a needed interstate intersection - with that kind of money, we probably could have made ALL the major cities in the state top-rated in terms of bike friendliness.) Cycling dollars so far tend to be the leftover scraps in the budget.

by: squeaky

05-29-2009 @ 4:00pm

My car blew a head gasket when I lived in Washington State, but fortunately I had a bike. It was probably the most freeing 6 months of my life. I had a job with a 20 mile round trip commute, but only a couple days a week. Fortunately, my great aunt lived in the town I worked, so I was able to stay with her some evenings. I invested in panniers so I could have the cargo space to bring home groceries. I walked or biked everywhere I needed to go. It was really a pretty fun lifestyle, one I even miss a little. In a nation where obesity is epidemic, I would think more thought would be put towards investing in a bike commuter system.

by: squeaky

05-29-2009 @ 4:00pm

My car blew a head gasket when I lived in Washington State, but fortunately I had a bike. It was probably the most freeing 6 months of my life. I had a job with a 20 mile round trip commute, but only a couple days a week. Fortunately, my great aunt lived in the town I worked, so I was able to stay with her some evenings. I invested in panniers so I could have the cargo space to bring home groceries. I walked or biked everywhere I needed to go. It was really a pretty fun lifestyle, one I even miss a little. In a nation where obesity is epidemic, I would think more thought would be put towards investing in a bike commuter system.

by: Ringer

05-31-2009 @ 11:05pm

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: Ringer

05-31-2009 @ 11:05pm

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: Ringer

06-01-2009 @ 1:05am

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: Ringer

06-01-2009 @ 1:05am

A wonderful prayer for a wonderful idea. I sold my car last year after I bought a bike with my stimulus money and after gas hit $4 a gallon. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss the thing at all. I hope and pray that more folks start riding. I know everyone can't do it--and there are places or times when you do need a car--but increased cycling would help answer SO many of our problems: global warming, the rampant increase in obesity, air quality in cities, our dependence on foreign oil... The list goes on and on.

by: 110cc dirtbikes

05-24-2010 @ 2:14am

I think that's really nice. I was a bit nervous when I began reading this article because I'm not religious and I LOVE the fact that you mentioned any religious affiliation and sexual orientation were invited. Good for you for being open and not discriminating :) That means a lot to so many people. Thank you for doing your part to better this world!

by: 110cc dirtbikes

05-24-2010 @ 2:14am

I think that's really nice. I was a bit nervous when I began reading this article because I'm not religious and I LOVE the fact that you mentioned any religious affiliation and sexual orientation were invited. Good for you for being open and not discriminating :) That means a lot to so many people. Thank you for doing your part to better this world!

by: 110cc dirtbikes

05-24-2010 @ 2:14am

I think that's really nice. I was a bit nervous when I began reading this article because I'm not religious and I LOVE the fact that you mentioned any religious affiliation and sexual orientation were invited. Good for you for being open and not discriminating :) That means a lot to so many people. Thank you for doing your part to better this world!

by: Taylor Lautner Workout

05-16-2011 @ 3:30am

Taylor Lautner Workout...

Also you might wanna' check out this blog I found here......

by: mobilt bredband

06-09-2011 @ 8:51pm

mobilit branden medical gear...

I would like to get as many links to my site as posible, rite now this is what I am doing!...

by: Police Car Auctions

06-27-2011 @ 4:00am

Car Auctions...

Hey there! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have ...

by: sunless tanner

06-28-2011 @ 10:44pm

For Your Information...

Im naive to websites and just heard about trackbacks, which I reckon is a means for me to acknowledge your website through a linkback through my blog. I found your site in the "currently buzzing" section of one of the bookmarking sites that I was po...

by: registry cleaners

07-04-2011 @ 1:06pm

registry cleaners...

Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks...

by: test nissan juke

07-19-2011 @ 1:00am

nissan juke dimensions...

Awesome post, I've linked back to your blog here http://www.vwsuv.net/sites-we-like/ return the favor if you can, thanks!...

by: kosmetyki

07-21-2011 @ 1:55pm

kosmetyki naturalne...

Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There's a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you...

by: Police Car Auctions

07-25-2011 @ 6:43pm

Police Car Auctions...

Hi there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's new to me. Anyhow, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back frequently!...

by: Butler Auto Auction

07-29-2011 @ 6:20pm

Butler Auto Auction...

Hi there! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If y...

by: Gutheoushlos

07-29-2011 @ 9:13pm

Fell...

[

by: Grade

07-31-2011 @ 3:51pm

Write...

[

by: Sword

08-03-2011 @ 3:03pm

Mist...

[

by: Slump

08-10-2011 @ 9:38pm

Hate...

[

by: Slump

08-10-2011 @ 9:38pm

Hate...

[

by: Trap

08-13-2011 @ 2:30pm

Branal...

[

by: Trap

08-13-2011 @ 2:30pm

Branal...

[

by: Jezyk Angielski Dabrowa G

08-16-2011 @ 12:08am

angielski...

Hello! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have a...