Part 2 of an Interview With Liz Babbs, Author of Celtic Treasure
This week I am interviewing Liz Babbs, author of Celtic Treasure and an authority on Celtic spirituality. Thank you, Liz, for joining us again today and sharing your insights with us.The Celts believed that whatever the task or time of day, there was a special prayer to be said. How can Christians today practice this same devotion? Can you share with us one of the prayers you have written? I’ve described prayer as "heart to heart communication with God" and relationships are all about communication. So I love the way the Celtic Christians naturally weaved prayer into the fabric of their daily lives, thanking God and remembering Him throughout their day.The Celts believed that God was with them in every aspect of their lives. So whatever the task or time of day, there was a special prayer to be said. They didn’t just pray at meal times as we might today, but they had prayers for everyday tasks like baking bread, milking the cow or kindling the fire. As a housewife cut a cross in the dough she would bless it in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Christians can practice that same devotion today by becoming prayerfully aware of the presence of God in the ordinariness of everyday life. By being thankful for the simple things we normally take for granted like our health, warmth, light, water, shelter etc. As well as thanking God for the advances in technology and using computers and cell phones in appropriate ways that serve God rather than exclude him. There are computer programs and phone applications that help you connect with God and study the Bible.
Lord, make me an island set apart for you. Where the rock of ages rings out with praise. Where the waters of your spirit saturate my soul And the fire of your presence burns deep within. Liz Babbs (p.40 Celtic Treasure)
Community and hospitality were key elements in how the Celts practiced their faith. Can you elaborate on this for us? How might we embrace this spirit of hospitality in our everyday lives?Invite people round for meals to your house, especially people who live on their own. It means such a lot to be welcomed into someone’s house. It’s a precious gift we can give each other and it helps create community and a sense of belonging. Having a meal together and the sharing of food and drink was central to Jesus’ ministry. The monastic tradition continues to practice hospitality even today, welcoming strangers and guests as though they were Christ. Now there’s a challenge!Join me on Friday for the last segment of my interview with Liz.
To find out more visit:
www.celtictreasure.blogspot.com
In Him together, Susan Gaddis