Got this prayer first from Tom Geddie, who perhaps got it from this source in Austin. It’s the oldest version I can find online. It’s worth repeating.
This text comes from music writer, Michael Corcoran, who says this:
“At the end of his two-hour keynote address, Quincy Jones asked those in the packed ballroom to stand and join hands. And everyone did. The Love maestro has that effect on people. Then he asked them to repeat the following words:”
“On this day…
I will mend a quarrel.
I will search out a forgotten friend.
I will dismiss a suspicion & replace it with a trust.
I will rather say, “I’m sorry I did” than “I wish I had.”
I will write a letter or an e-mail or a text or a tweet to
someone who I miss.
I will always approach my creativity with humility and treat my
success with grace.
I will fight against the dumbing down of our culture.
I will encourage a young person who has lost faith and hope…
…And constantly remind him or her to stop stealing music.
I will keep a promise.
I will forget an old grudge.
I will fight for a principle.
I will express my gratitude to God every day.
I will tell someone I love them.
And tell them again, and again, and again.
And again. And again. And again.”
This is Michael’s review of the speech, which is also a good read. Among my favorite quotes is Cochran’s last sentence:
“We’re all crazy or we wouldn’t be here,” he said. “But if you think you’re more than a terminal for a higher power, you’re kidding yourself.”