Tag-Archive for » 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: , , , , , , ,
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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Category: Celtic Christianity, Prayer  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
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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Category: Celtic Christianity, Healing prayers, Susan Gaddis News  Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
16
Mar
A Celtic Family Blessing

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com

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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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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19
Nov
How to Spiritually Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

Preparing your home for the holidays involves more than just cleaning and cooking. Creating a place of warmth and hospitality happens as much in the spirit realm as it does in the physical.

Since I have a large house and a huge family, my guest room is getting a quick cleaning before guests arrive for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year I’m setting a little welcome card on the dresser:

“Come to a warm place in this house. Come in the name of Christ. My heart and I agree, welcome in the name of the Lord.”

This prayer is one of my favorites, written hundreds of years ago by Brigid of Kildare (c. 450—523). I sometimes use her prayers to pray as I walk through my house before guests arrive. Such prayers also provide a creative way for children to help prepare the home and hearts for the festivities. Just write the following prayers out on cards and together pray through your home.

In the center of your home

“May God give His blessing to the house that is here. God bless this house from roof to floor, from wall to wall, from end to end, from its foundation and in its covering. In the strong name of the Triune God: all evil be banished, all disturbance cease, captive spirits freed, God’s Spirit alone dwell within these walls. Amen.”

In the doorway of your home

“May all be welcomed here, friend and stranger, from near and far. May each be blessed and honoured as they enter. Christ, in our coming and in our leaving, the Door and the Keeper; for us and our dear ones, this day and every day, blessings for always. Amen.”

In the living room of your home

“There is a friend’s love in the gentle heart of the Saviour. For love of Him we offer friendship and welcome every guest. Lord, kindle in my heart a flame of love to my neighbor, to my enemies, my friends, my kindred all, from the lowliest thing that liveth to the name that is highest of all.”

In the bedrooms of your home

“May God the Father be the guardian of this place and bring His peace, that fear may find no entry here. May Christ be a chosen companion and friend. May loneliness be banished. May the Spirit bring lightness and laughter, and be the comforter of tears. Courage be at each going out; rest be present at each return; each day, each night, each going out and each returning. Amen.”

You can find more prayers of Brigid of Kildare in Celtic Daily Prayer (see the side bar).

Today’s question: what do you do to spiritually prepare your home for the holidays?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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01
Oct
How to Pray a Celtic Christian Circle Prayer

Glendalough, Ireland

Have you ever heard of a circle prayer? To a Celtic Christian, a circle was a sacred space. It was a replica of the cosmos and symbolized the Celtic belief that time was circular rather than linear. God was the Creator and he inhabited the center of the cosmos and time. This belief carried over into one of their prayer expressions—the caim prayer.

To pray a caim, or encircling prayer, extend your right index finger, and turn clockwise drawing a circle around yourself in the air. Use your imagination to see yourself and those you are praying for surrounded by the safety of the Father’s care and protection.

Here are several ancient caim prayers from Celtic Daily Prayer (highly recommended—see right side bar).

Circle me, Lord. Keep protection near and danger afar.

Circle me, Lord. Keep light near and darkness afar.

Circle me, Lord. Keep peace within; keep evil out.

See how easy it is? The basic structure of a caim prayer looks like these examples. Simply insert the name of the person you are praying for and change the wording to suit the circumstances.

Circle (name), Lord. Keep (name the good you want revealed) near and (name the evil you want removed) afar.

Circle (name), Lord. Keep comfort near and discouragement afar. Keep peace within and turmoil out.

Circle (name), Lord. Keep hope within and despair without.

Have you ever tried this type of prayer—where action and words combine to give voice to your heart? Share your caim prayer with us in the comment section below.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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10
Sep
Do You Have Time to Listen for the Heartbeat of Jesus?

Is your life quiet enough to hear the heartbeat of Jesus? How do we find the time or the quiet to really listen for a sound so foreign that we might not even know what we are listening for?

Some of the answers are found in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which instructs us to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life. Or, as one translation puts it, we are to “study to be quiet.”

How unexpected—quietness is something that must be sought and studied. Silence and solitude are not in our DNA. They are qualities of life that have to be desired and learned.

It is in times of solitude and silence that I can quiet myself and listen for the heartbeat of Jesus. This is not easy in a culture that is addicted to activity. If distractions speak louder than the voice of God, how much more difficult it must be to hear his heartbeat! Yet it is in those quiet times, those separate times, that his still, small voice is heard and the passion of his heart is felt. It is these times that give color to the activities of my life.

A poem by Anne Morrow Lindbergh speaks of this learned activity of solitude:

It is a difficult
lesson to learn today,
To leave one’s friends
and family and deliberately
practice the art of solitude
for an hour or a day
or a week
For me, the break
is most difficult . . .
And yet, once it is done,
I find there is a quality
to being alone that is
incredibly precious.
Life rushes back into the void,
richer,
more vivid,
fuller than before!

      

How have you woven solitude and silence into the culture of your life and how has that quietness taught you to listen for the heartbeat of Jesus? Please share your wisdom with us in the comment section below.  (And, if you liked this post, please pass it on via the Share and Enjoy icons below.)

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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