Thursday, December 5, 2013

December 5, 2013

In the snapping cold I am aware of holiness: the beauty of the brilliant clear sky, the pressure of the dark of night, the warm sanctuary that is indoors. Even cherishing the sheepskin on my steering wheel, the pleasure of my mittens, and the snow piled high alongside the walkway, I am aware of holiness. When I am aware of holiness, I am in prayer.

This Thursday evening at Day 5 we read a lot of prayers. Some famous prayers have lasted hundreds of years: lasted because they speak to the soul, famous because someone spoke them aloud and kept them alive.

The soul needs words. The soul needs many things, and certainly we need words to express sorrow, gratitude, joy, and milestones along the quotidian journey.

Here is a prayer that may speak to your soul, bringing you closer to God’s Holy Presence. It comes from a Gaelic source.

Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you:
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you.
Deep peace of Christ, the light of the world, to you.
Deep peace to you.

Enjoy. Settle in and read it aloud. Then listen. You may hear God speaking back.

Blessings on you – blessings of warmth, prayer and Holy Presence,

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean