Some say that awe-inspiring sights like solar eclipses encourage empathy and generosity and group cohesion. I don’t know if today’s eclipse, which will be viewed by millions, can bring about more peace and cooperation in our increasingly fractious world, but it is worth praying for:

Brother Sun, Sister Moon,

as millions of people turn their attention to the solar eclipse today,

may your cosmic dance inspire not only awe and wonder,

but also teach us humility about our place in the universe

and encourage us to pursue peace and cooperation with one another

for the sake of our fragile planet home.

[NASA photo; in the public domain]