Archive for the Category »Celtic Christianity «

10
Jun
My Prayer For You

June is a time of good-byes and launching our kids into their future, often in graduation or wedding ceremonies.  This prayer from the Northumbria Community is one of my favorites. It appears in their book Celtic Daily Prayer. I hope it touches your heart as it has mine.

My Prayer For You

May the Father of Life pour out His grace on you; may you feel His hand in everything you do and be strengthened by the things He brings you through: this is my prayer for you.

May the Son of God be Lord in all your ways; may He shepherd you the length of all your days, and in your heart may He receive the praise: this is my prayer for you.

And despite how simple it may sound, I pray that His grace will abound and motivate everything you do; and may the fullness of His love be shared through you.

May His Spirit comfort you, and make you strong, may He discipline you gently when you’re wrong, and in your heart may He give you a song: this is my prayer for you.

May Jesus be Lord in all your ways, may He shepherd you the length of all your days, and in your heart may He receive the praise: this is my prayer for you, my prayer for you.

Do you have a prayer that fits the launching of a graduate or wedding couple? I’d love to have you share it in the comment section below.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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Category: Celtic Christianity, praying for your kids, raising kids  Tags: , , , , , , ,
01
Jun
Celtic Prayer of Safety

Life can be scary. Earthquakes, uprisings, war, famine, economic uncertainty, and just living with people who are as dysfunctional as I am, causes me to realize that our world is unsafe and unsure. I remind myself each morning and before bed of God’s protection. St. Brigid’s prayer is one of my favorites. It is also an easy prayer for your children to memorize.

Each day and each night that I place myself under his keeping,

I shall not be forgotten.

I shall not be destroyed.

I shall not be imprisoned.

I shall not be harassed by evil powers.

Do you have a simple prayer that comes easily to mind as you begin or end your day? Please share it with us in the comment section below.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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Category: Celtic Christianity, Prayer, praying for your kids  Tags: , , , , , , ,
20
May
Not Your King Arthur Kind of Celts

Contrary to popular American thought, the Celts were not barbarians who fought the Romans alongside King Arthur. Celtic culture was far richer than a King Arthur Hollywood movie. Tonight we’re hosting a party at Father’s House where Liz Babbs will be weaving the story of Celtic Christianity into a Ceilidh.

In her book, Celtic Treasure, Liz Babbs explains: “A ceilidh is a traditional Gaelic social dance originating in Ireland and Scotland, but which is now popular throughout the world. Originally, a ceilidh was a social gathering that could include stories, songs, poems, proverbs, ballads, and need not necessarily feature dance.” Later dance became a natural part of a ceilidh as the whole of life was celebrated.

Creativity and community go hand in hand in Celtic Christianity. Before TV and the Internet, there was storytelling by the fireplace, singing and dancing when folks gathered for community meals, and the reading of poetry or the sharing of arts and crafts. People had time for each other–for listening, laughing, eating, and living life in celebration of the God who creates and enlivens ordinary people like you and me. This is what community is all about–sharing together our expressions of God.

Sacred Tapestry

Each person

a precious thread

open ended with

creative possiblity

and when linked to others

weaves a community

of beauty –

a sacred tapestry

mirroring heaven.

Liz  Babbs in Celtic Treasure

I hope you get to party in celebration of God this weekend. Our ceilidh includes Celtic music and not-so-Celtic raps, dancing, poetry, storytelling–all served up with large plates of food and laughter. Works of various artists will be on display–yarn creations and woodworking are just a few. And, of course, there will be the story of the Celts weaved throughout the evening.

All ages are invited–just bring a plate of finger-food and a smile. It’s time to put on your dancing shoes! (For location, time, and other details, please visit our Celtic California website.)

What creative gift has God given you and how do you celebrate that gift with others?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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Category: Celtic Christianity, My village  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
18
May
Discover the Treasure Hidden in the Bible

The treasure hidden within the Bible is only available to those who search its pages.This week we have Liz Babbs visiting Father’s House as part of her Celtic California Adventure. Last year I was honored to interview Liz about her new book, Celtic Treasure. (You can find that interview here, here, and here.)

Tomorrow night, May 19th, Liz will be sharing Bible Alive with us–a creative encounter with Scripture offering dynamic ways to bring the Bible to life using meditation, prayer, photography, music, and periods of silence. I’m looking forward to learning how to step inside the Bible like a Hollywood movie, engage with characters from the New Testament, and encounter Jesus anew. Although not a Celtic video, this 2 minute clip by Igniter Media presents the ageless truth of what the Bible contains:

If you received this post via RSS or email and cannot view the short clip, please visit my Holy in the Daily blog to enjoy it.

From viewing this clip, which description of hidden treasure in the Bible resounded in your spirit?

For more on this Celtic California Adventure with Liz in Atascadero and Fresno, please visit our Celtic California website. We’d love to have you join us!

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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Category: Book Review, Celtic Christianity, Daily, Monday's Moment Videos, Personal growth  Tags: , , , , , , ,
16
May
The Celtic California Adventure Begins!

This week I am honored to have Liz Babbs staying with me as she begins her Celtic California Adventure. Liz is the author of Celtic Treasure and many other books–Celtic oriented and otherwise. Having her camp out in my guest room provides the perfect opportunity for me to pick her brain about all things related to Celtic Christianity. (If you hang around this blog long enough, you’ll discover that Celtic Christianity is one of my hot topics.)

Liz lives across the pond in Nottingham, England and has traveled to our green hills to share her internationally acclaimed Bible Alive presentation with us on Thursday evening and some of her Celtic Treasure wisdom at our Ceilidh on Friday night. Then she heads over to Fresno to engage the valley folks with more of the same over the weekend. You can catch all the details on our Celtic California website.

If you are new to Celtic Christianity, my post on Exploring the Paths of Celtic Christianity provides an introduction to one of the most important segments of Christian history. The Celtic saints of old have helped shape and mold my spiritual journey and continue to impact my walk with Jesus. “A saint is one who exaggerates what the world neglects,” said G. K. Chesterton. In her book, Celtic Treasure, Liz shares this prayer in the spirit of St. Aidan (died AD 651):

Leave me alone with God as much as may be.

As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,

Make me an island, set apart,

alone with you, God, holy to you.

Then with the turning of the tide

prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,

the world that rushes in on me

till the waters come again and fold me back to you.

If you live on the Central Coast of California or in the Central Valley, we’d love to have you join Liz at Father’s House in Atascadero this Thursday and Friday evenings, or meet us in Fresno at the Neighborhood Thrift Store Lounge on Saturday and at University Vineyard Church on Sunday. Her books will be available at all events. Event times, maps, and details are available here.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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02
May
Why I’ll Skip the Celtic Method of Cataract Healing

Last January I learned I had cataracts, and within a few months I would need to have surgery to remove them. Well that time is finally here. I’ll be experiencing a healing journey for some weeks as first one eye is operated on and then the other. In preparation, I looked through my resources to see if there was a Celtic prayer for the healing of cataracts. Sure enough, I found one—though it wasn’t what I expected.

This story is from the Carmina Gadelica, a collection of Celtic prayers, poems, and songs gathered by Alexander Carmichael between 1855 and 1910. The woman in this story suffered from cataracts and found water from special healing springs to be useful in relieving her suffering. Here is her story in her own words:

I take the basin of water home, and three green blades of grass of the plain, and I put a piece of gold or a silver coin in the basin of water, and I dip blade after blade in the basin of water, and pray to God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, for guidance and compassion.

And I dip a blade of grass in the basin of water and draw the blade softly and gently across the cataract on the eyeball in the name of Father. And I dip a blade of grass in the basin of water and draw the blade softly across the cataract on the eyeball in the name of Son. And I dip a blade of grass in the basin of water and draw the blade softly and gently across the cataract on the eyeball in the name of Spirit.

And I ask the everlasting Trinity of life to grant me my prayer if it be Their own will so to do and if the asking be in accord with Their mind.

Her faith is remarkable, but personally, I thankful I live in more modern times and have the benefit of a specialist. Laser surgery and multifocal lenses sound like a miracle to me! I’ll let you know how my healing journey goes.

Have you or someone you know suffered with cataracts? I’d love to hear the story.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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27
Apr
Learning Trust from Columba’s Celtic Prayer

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Restful trust in God’s plans, purposes, and guidance is not always easy. Life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect, and circumstances can change with little warning. Learning to trust holds challenges not anticipated when the path before us seems clear. It is during the tough times that trust in God takes on substance.

Ancient stories tell of Columba being exiled from Ireland after a battle fought on his behalf where many were killed. Vowing to win numerous lives for Christ, he sailed for Scotland in 563 and settled on the small island of Iona. There he founded a movement that would give birth to the evangelism of Europe. The following is one of his prayers.

Alone with none but Thee, my God,

I journeyed on my way:

What need I fear, when Thou art near

O King of night and day?

More safe am I within Thy hand

Than if a host did round me stand.

The child of God can fear no ill,

His chosen dread no foe:

We leave our fate to Thee, and wait

Thy bidding when to go.

‘Tis not from chance our comfort springs,

Thou art our trust, O King of kings.

-Columba

Where are you in your trust of God? What has caused you to grow the most in this aspect of your journey with Jesus?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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16
Mar
A Celtic Family Blessing

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Praying a daily blessing is one of the best ways to encourage your family before school and work begin the day. This was our family tradition for years with our children, and we found that gathering together for a short morning prayer bonded us closer together.

One of my favorite Celtic blessings is taken from the Morning Office in Celtic Daily Prayer by the Northumbria Community. It’s a simple blessing for family and friends and one I’ve used at the close of our Father’s House women’s gatherings. I’ve pulled this one out of my prayer journal when my children have gone on journeys or friends have moved away. Perhaps you’ll find it to be one you want to pray as you gather your family together before the start of each day.

May the Peace of the Lord Christ Go With You

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,

Wherever He may send you.

May He guide you through the wilderness,

Protect you through the storm.

May He bring you home rejoicing

At the wonders He has shown you.

May He bring you home rejoicing

Once again into our doors.

Do you have a blessing you pray over your family each day? I’d love to hear about it.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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11
Feb
Prayers for a Soldier and His Family

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com www.janrichard.com

Today Alan leaves for Iraq—a soldier fulfilling his calling. It must be very hard for his wife and children who won’t see him again for almost a year. Our church family encircled them in prayer last Sunday and will continue to support Chris and the kids in the way that families do when a soldier leaves for duty. Prayer will be our greatest gift to them.

Over the years we’ve had others from our church deployed on military duty. I have always loved to pray for these folks and their families. One young woman presented us with an American flag after escaping from an impossible situation during a mission in Afghanistan. She knew the church intercessors had prayed her through to safety.

I found two Celtic prayers that share a soldier’s heart for himself and his family. I think they provide a guide to how we can pray for those who go and those who are left behind.

A soldier’s prayer for his family

Give them peace to know I am unharmed.

Give them hope to know I will return.

Give them patience to wait and courage to endure the waiting.

Give them strength so that they will not grow weary.

Stephen Lawhead

A soldier’s prayer from St. Patrick’s Breastplate

I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward; the Word of God to give me speech, his heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile ones that mar my course; or few or many, far or nigh, in every place, and in all hours, against their fierce hostility, I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles, against false words of heresy, against the knowledge that defiles, against the heart’s idolatry, against the wizard’s evil craft, against the death wound and the burning, the choking wave and poisoned shaft, protect me Christ, till your returning.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils, against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature, against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Remember to pray for our soldiers and their families. They would appreciate it. (And please pass this post on to those you know serving in the military and their families–just scroll down to the “share and enjoy” buttons a few inches below.)

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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Category: Celtic Christianity, Mission, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare  Tags: , , , , , ,
28
Jan
A Simple Celtic Prayer for Reconciliation

photo by Herman Hooyschuur

Here I stand;

and I say a prayer.

Celtic Christians were known for their simple, yet profound, prayers. Easily memorized for instant recall as a person went about his daily duties, Celtic prayers were learned at a young age and woven into every life situation. This Celtic prayer for reconciliation, from Celtic Daily Prayer, captures the strength found in such praying.

Lord, let our memory provide no shelter for grievance against each other.

Lord, Let our heart provide no harbor for hatred of each other.

Lord, let our tongue be no accomplice in the judgment of each other.

The mission of Jesus Christ to planet Earth was one of reconciliation–reconnecting man with God. Reconciliation between men flows out of the fulfillment of that mission. Shouldn’t reconciliation also be our prayer?

What’s your experience in the art of simple praying? What’s your experience in praying for reconciliation?

(For more posts on Celtic prayers click Celtic Christianity under the sidebar section “Posts by Topic.” You’ll also find Celtic Daily Prayer in the far right sidebar—a book I highly recommend.)

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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