September 8 Prayer

September 8 Prayer

“How great is our Lord, His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension.” Ps.147
In loving places, O god, are you known, your mercy extends to all the earth. Your abode has been established in our soul. Your dwelling place is in our heart. You break down our walls, our anger, fear and doubts….You call us to love, to grow toward harmony and wholeness.’ Ps.76

I arise today to see large pieces of ashes from the heavens covering the ground.
The air is still and dry and the ash is like manna still falling.
I am reminded of the verse in Isaiah that no weapon formed against you shall prosper and ask what are the weapons against me? What are the weapons that I still hold in my hand?
The worry of what is to come, the fear of what is, the impulse to run away or stand and fight.

So here I am, Lord, and you remind me once again that the battle is yours and you are doing the fighting.
I lay down my own weapon and I arise and align myself in your love, await your presence and allow you to lead.

Let's pray this song from St Patrick's prayer.

‘I arise today through the strength of heaven
Light of sun, radiance of moon
Splendor of fire, speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock

I arise today through God's strength to pilot me
God's eye to look before me
God's wisdom to guide me
God's way to lie before me
God's shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and a-near
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel, merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul

Christ with me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ in me
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ on my right, Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me
I arise today
In the power of the three
amen