Blessings – Page 12 – All the Wonders

On the Eve of Ash Wednesday

On the Eve of Ash Wednesday
Of Spring and new life
Of the Lenten journey

I am overwhelmed with too much
Too many tasks, responsibilities, voices
Too many distractions and demands

Take this frozen and tired soul, Loving God
Nurture within me sustaining life
Coax from me only that which is needed

Let me shed the darkness
That I might reach toward your light

Let me empty cluttered spaces
That there might be a home for you

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
On this Eve of Ash Wednesday

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.

Sitting with an Aging Pet

For Spec

You still chase bunnies in your sleep
Tracking, barking, leaping
Master of the back yard

You still jump in the air when it’s time to eat
Letting me know that you know
When supper time is here

But then I see you dodge a shadow
Unable to see clearly with cloudy eyes
And I have to touch you when I enter the room
To let you know I am here

I know that someday
Your windmill-tail will stop spinning
Your courageous, loyal heart will cease to beat

I sit with you in love and sadness and gratitude
I hope that I have blessed you with
Just a fraction of the blessing you have bestowed upon me
And I am grateful for your sweetness, your faithfulness

You still chase bunnies in your sleep

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.

A Blessing for the Coffee

Bless this cup,
Smooth and warm,
Held in cold hands.
In cold hands.

Bless this drink,
Dark and strong,
Sipped slowly in the quiet.
In the quiet.

Bless the beans
And those who picked them.
All who washed and roasted.
Washed and roasted.

Bless the workers
And their families.
Their children and their homes.
And their homes.

Bless this day
And all who wake.
Give them comfort, strength and plenty.
Strength and plenty.

Bless this coffee,
Warm and sweet.
Nourishing, comforting taste of love.
Taste of love.

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.

A Winter Sunset

Bless, O God, this winter eve,
The trees, branches raised in praise.
The sky, soft glow darkening into dusk.
The homecoming of young and old.

Bless, O God, this sacred moment.
The quiet pause between day and night.
The birds, flying to safety in bush or brush.
The colors — orange to red to purple to black — creeping across the clouds.

Bless, O God, the night to come.
The safety of shelter, the supper to nourish.
Hearts of joy or souls bent in sorrow.
Renewing rest and hope for one more day.

Bless, O God. Bless.

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.

For One Who Is Hurting

God, your peace,
Your comfort,
Your healing presence.

Send them into
The places of deep sadness,
The wounds,
The disappointments,
The tears and aching heart.

Touch the tear-lined cheek
With your kiss of peace.

Hold your child close,
For she is full of sorrow.
Hold him close,
For he feels all alone.

Bring comfort and healing,
Balm for broken hearts,
Freedom from fear,
And courage to face forward.

You are the Miracle Worker,
The Great Healer,
The Mender of the Breach.

Come, now,
Come, quickly,
Come.

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.

Blessing of the Day

Dawn of Life,
Dawn of Love,
We greet you.

Bless us this day,
And bless all we meet:
The grieving friend,
The laughing child,
The stranger on the corner.

Fill our hearts with your light
And let that light shine through us,
Bringing friendship and hope,
Peace and presence.

We are yours.

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.

A Blessing for the Long Nights

God’s peace to you in the twilight,
in the long winter night.

God’s comfort to you in the sadness,
in the mournful places of your soul.

God’s courage to you in your weakness,
facing turmoil facing trial.

God’s love to you in your pain,
in the sadness of the small one who weeps inside of you.

God’s presence to you in your loneliness,
in the dark, empty corners of your heart.

God’s peace, God’s comfort, God’s love,
God’s blessing be yours.

Find more of my prayers in my book Christ Beside Me, Christ Before Me: Celtic Blessings.