Blessings on Blessings

I’m working on a manuscript — a book of blessings to be published in 2016 by Upper Room Books. Right now, I’m sitting in the recliner with Arya (Jack’s new sister) asleep on my lap. Yesterday Arya was spayed. Today she is wearing a cone, feeling a bit out of sorts, and getting lots of love. I’ve got the computer balanced on the arm of the chair and the edge of side table . . . and all is well.

For my writing today, I’ve been reading through the volumes of the Carmina Gadelica, the compilation of Celtic prayers gathered by Alexander Carmichael in the Scottish highlands in the late 1800s. I’m so grateful for these books and the picture it gives me of my Celtic heritage, the living of all of life as a blessing given by the Creator.

Here is a prayer for you from these pages. As I sit in the evening with a little dog on my lap, I think of my family and yours. And I pray with the ancestors this Prayer of Night Shielding.

Bless, O God, the fire,
As Thou didst bless the Virgin;
Bless, O God, the hearth,
As Thou didst bless the Sabbath.

Bless, O God, the household,
According as Jesus said;
Bless, O God, the family,
As becomes us to offer it.

Bless, O God, the house.
Bless, O God, the fire,
Bless, O God, the hearth;
Be Thyself our stay.

May the Being of life bless.
May the Christ of love bless,
May the Spirit Holy bless
Each one and all.
Every one and all.

From Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael, Vol. 3, p. 355.