What is Celtic Spirituality?
AnIntroductiontoaRichTradition
ByChristineSine
�3
Table of Contents
CelticSpirituality-WhatIsTheAttraction?5
ACelticHouseBlessing 11
AHospitalityLiturgy12
St.Patrick’sBreastplate:AResponsiveLitany 15
WalkinginCircles 17
CreatingaCaim 18
ResourceList 20
ChristineSine23
�4
�5
Celtic Spirituality - What Is The Attraction?
OneofmyfavouriteplacesintheworldistheislandofIonaoffthewestcoastofScotland.Itseemssoremotenow,requiringajourneyfromGlasgowbytrain,ferry,busandanotherferrytogetthere.Atonetime,whenmostlongdistancetravelwasdonebysea,itwasathrivingcentreofspiritualityandeducation.Itwashereinthe6thcenturythattheCelticsaintColumbasettledafterbeingexiledfromIreland.AnditwasalsoherethatthefamousBookofKellswasprobablywritten.
MyhusbandTomtookmetoIonaonourhoneymoon22yearsago,sharingwithmenot
justaplacebutaChristiantraditionthatwasveryspecialtohim.Myimaginationwasignitedbythisancientfaithperspectivewhichthrivedfromthe5thto8thcenturyandwasresponsibleforthespreadoftheChristianfaithfromIrelandthroughScotlandandEnglandandthenthroughmuchofWesternEurope.ItofferedsomuchofwhatIcravedinmymodernlife—anintensesenseofthepresenceofGod,aspiritualitythatpermeatedeverypartoflifeandaloveforcreationasareLlectionofthecharacterofGod.ItispossiblethatSt.FrancisofAssisiwasstronglyinLluencedbytheIrishmonkswhoestablishedachapelnearAssisi.
Scottishtheologian,ProfJohnMacquarrieobservedthat“theCeltwasverymuchaGod-intoxicatedpersonwhoselifewasembracedonallsidesbythedivineBeing.”IlongforthatsameintoxicationandintimacywithGod.
CelticChristianitythrivedintheLifthtoeleventhcenturies.Theprimarysiteforworship,pastoralcareandreligiousinstructionwasthemonasteryratherthantheparishchurch.Thisstronglymonasticcharacterproducedamodelofministrythatwascommunitarianratherthanindividualistic.
�6
“Ministry inallaspects—liturgical,pastoral,evangelistic,educational—wasnot thesolitaryindividualistictaskitsooftenistoday.Itwasratherundertakenbyteamsofmenandwomen,ordainedandlay,wholivedtogetherincommunityandoperatedfromacommoncentralbasefromwhichtheywentoutamongthepeoplepreaching,teaching, baptizing, administering the sacraments, caring for the sick and buryingthedead.” 1
AcommonmisconceptionisthattheseearlyCelticmonksLledtothewildernessanddevotedthemselvestoprayer,fastingandotherextremeactivities.However,usually,thesesettlementslayatthecrossroadsofmajortravelroutes,whetherbysea(asinthecaseofIona)orland(likeClonmacnoiseonthebanksoftheriverShannon,inIreland).HerewasacommunityfoundedbyCiaran,theLirstbornoftheIrishsaints,thatwasintentionalaboutlivingtheGod-Lilledlifeattheheartofcontemporarycultureandbusiness.
Thesemonasticcommunitieswereopentoaconstantstreamofvisitors,pilgrimsandpenitents.Theywereintimatelyinvolvedintheaffairsoftheworldandthelivesofthepeopletheyserved.Theinhabitants,insomecasesbothwomenandmen,werenotjustconcernedwiththespiritualwellbeingofthecommunitiestheyservedbutalsowiththeirintellectualandphysicalwellbeing.Theywerealsoinmanywaysthekeepersofcultureandtradition,notjustcopyingthePsalmsandGospelsbutalsowritingdownstories,songs,andpoemsandpreservingmythsandlegendsforposterity.
TheCelticmonasteriesactedasacreativeandnoticeableinLluenceforGod,goodandchange!Whilstenjoyingtheirownworshipandprayerspacefordisciplineddiscipleship,atoneandthesametimeofferedhospitalityandhopeasabusyworldtradedandtriedtomakesenseoflifewithallit’ssubtlecomplexities.ItwasalifeboataLloatinthechoppywatersofacompetitiveworld,offeringsuccortothosewhosoughtitssafety.
TheCeltsapproachedGodwithawe,reverenceandwonderbutalsosawGodasanessentiallyhumanLigureintimatelyinvolvedinallcreationandengagedinadynamicrelationshipwithit.ThisinterweavingofintimacyandmysteryembracedtheTrinityasafamily,andeachhumanfamilyunit(beitfamily,clanortribe)wasseenasaniconoftheTrinity.TheTrinitywasaveryrealpresenceinallaspectsoflifeandcreation,andanalmosttangibleComforterandProtectorwhocouldwardoffevilforces.WeseethistheologicalperspectivereLlectedthissimpleprayer.
Threefoldsoftheclothyetonlyonenapkinisthere,Threejointsinthe5inger,butstillonlyone5ingerfair,Threeleavesoftheshamrock,yetnomorethanoneshamrocktowear,Frost,snow-5lakesandice,allinwatertheiroriginshare,ThreepersonsinGod,tooneGodalonewemakeprayer.
IlovetheCelticbeliefthatonlyathinveilseparatesthisworldfromthenext.TheytookseriouslyHebrews12:1(“Seeingwearecompassedaboutwithsogreatacloudofwitnesses...”),andhadanalmostphysicalsenseofthegreatcompanyofheavenwhichsurroundedGod,acompanywhichembracednotonlysaintsandfriendswhohaddiedbutalsothewholehostofangelsandotherheavenlypowers.Whenyouraisedyoureyestoheaven,youraisedthemtoavasthost.TheCelticChristianatprayerwasconsciouslyamemberofthegreatcompanythatstretchedfromthepersonsoftheTrinitythroughthepowerfulangelicthrongstotherisensaints.Theywereregardedverymuchasfriendsandcompanionsinthisworldandaddressedalmostasonewouldneighboursormembersofthefamily.
Ian Bradley, Colonies of Heaven: Celtic Christian Communities, Live the Tradition, Northstone Publishing, Kelowna, 1
BC, Canada 2000, p5-6
�7
OneofthemostdemandingandoftencostlytasksundertakenbytheCelticmonasterieswasthatofhospitality.Theybelievedhospitalitywasnotonlymeanttobeacustomintheirhomes,butalsoakeyintothekingdomofGod.Theguesthouse,orhospitium,oftenoccupiedthebestsitewithinthemonasticcommunity,andthoughthemonksmightliveonbreadandwater,visitorswouldoftenreceivethebestoffoodanddrink.ThemonasteryatDerryissaidtohavefedathousandhungrypeopleeachday.Brigit,oneofthebestknownwomenleadersoftheCelticchurch,whopresidedoverthemonasteryatKildareoftenmadebutterforvisitors.Traditionhasitthatwhenchurningthebutter,Brigitwouldmakethirteenportions—twelveinhonouroftheapostlesandanextraoneinhonourofChrist,whichwasreservedforguestsandthepoor.
AccordingtoChristinePohlinherinspirationalbookMakingRoom,thetraditionofhospitalitywasonceanimportantpartofallChristiancommunitiesandrevolvedaroundthewelcomingofstrangersintoone’shome:
“Formost of the history ofthe church, hospitality wasunderstood to encompassphysical,social,andspirituald imens i on s o f humanexistence and relationships.It meant response to thephysical needs of strangersf o r f o od , s h e l t e r a ndprotect ion , but a l so arecognition of their worthand common humanity. Ina l m o s t e v e r y c a s e ,hospitality involved sharingmeals: historically tablefellowshipwasanimportantwayofrecognizingtheequalv a l u e a n d d i g n i t y o fpersons.” 2
OneofmyfavouriteCelticprayersisthisbeautifulhospitalityprayerattributedtoBrigit.
Ishouldlikeagreatlakeof1inestale,FortheKingofKings
Ishouldlikeatableofthechoicestfood,Forthefamilyofheaven.Letthealebemadefromthefruitsoffaith,Andthefoodbeforgivinglove.Ishouldwelcomethepoortomyfeast,FortheyareGod’schildren.
Christine Pohl, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1999, p42
�8
Ishouldwelcomethesicktomyfeast,FortheyareGod’sjoy.LetthepoorsitwithJesusatthehighestplace,AndthesickdancewiththeangelsGodblessthepoor,Godblessthesick,Andblessourhumanrace.Godblessourfood,Godblessourdrink,Allhomes,OGod,embrace.
MuchofourknowledgeofCelticChristianitycomesthroughtheirbeautifulprayers,manyofwhichwerewrittenoverathousandyearsago,andthengatheredintheCarminaGadelica.ThemostfamousCelticprayerisPatrick’sbreastplatewhichIadaptedafewyearsagoasaresponsivelitany.Patrick’sprayerisshotthroughwithadeepsenseofthepresenceofGodandaconLidenceinGod’sabilitytoprotectfromevil.ItisoneofmyfavouriteCelticprayersandexpressessomuchofwhatdrawsmetoCelticChristianityasthisexcerptfromtheprayershows.
WebinduntoourselvestodaythestrongnameoftheTrinity,Byinvocationofthesame,theThreeinOne,theOneinThree.Ofwhomallnaturehathcreation,EternalGod,Spirit,Word;PraisetotheGodofoursalvation,SalvationisofChristtheLord. 3
Asthisprayersreveals,thepresenceofChristwasalmostphysicallywoventhroughthelivesoftheCelts.Heencircled,upheldandencompassedthemasacompanionnexttothem,aguestinthehouse,aphysicalpresenceintheirlives.IlovethewaythatisexpressedinyetanotherofmyfavouriteCelticprayers:
Christasalight,illumineandguideus.Christasashield,overshadowandcoverus,Christbeunderus,Christbeoverus,Christbebeforeus,Christbebehindus,Christbewithinus,Christbewithoutus,Christasalightillumineandguideus. 4
CelticChristianityopenedmyeyestothebeliefthatcreationistranslucent,allowingusglimpsesofthegloryofGod.TheearthanditswondersprovidethekeynotjusttoestablishingtheexistenceofGodbutalsotolearningabouthim.ThisisnopantheisticworshipoftheelementsbutratheradynamicpictureofGod’sactivepresenceincreation.Godanimatesandchargesallthingswithdivineenergy,andtheyinturnreLlectandrespondtoGod’screativepresenceandsustaininglove.God’shandsdon’tsimplyencircleandprotecttheearthandallitcontains;Godalsoquickens,enlivensandinspiresitsoGod’sexistencecanbeconLirmedthroughcontemplationofthebeautyandorderofthenaturalworld.
Inthistradition,nothingistootrivialtobesanctiLiedbyprayerandblessing,whetheritbedressingfortheday’swork,milkingthecowordampingdowntheLireatnight.ThissenseoftheimportanceofthelittlethingsparallelstheCelts’identiLicationwiththelittlepeople,themarginalizedandtheoppressed.AllpersonsrepresentedGodandmightbeheavenlyvisitorsindisguise.ExtendinghospitalityopenedadoortothekingdomofGodandwelcomedJesusintotheirmidst.ItwasanimportantexpressionoflovebothtowardGodandneighbour.
� http://godspace-msa.com/2014/03/16/happy-st-patricks-day/3
Adapted from Patrick’s Hymn by James C. Mangan 1803-18494
�9
MyowninterestinthesanctityofordinaryeverydaytasksandtheimportanceofLindingGodwithinthem,andmygrowingemphasisontheimportanceofhospitalityasadoorwayintoGod’skingdomisoneofthemostimportantpracticallessonsIhavelearnedfromtheCelts.
Celticspiritualitycontinuestoenrichmyfaith,andIoftenwriteanduseCeltic-styleprayerslikethiscirclingprayerinmydailydevotions.
GodallpowerfulandallknowingencircleusKeeplovewithinandfearwithoutKeeppeacewithinandviolenceoutCircleuswithyourpresenceGodallmightyandallcaringencircleusKeeptruthwithinandinjusticeoutKeepacceptanceinandprejudiceoutCircleuswithyourgraceGodalllovingandallembracingencircleusKeepwholenessinanddiseasewithoutKeepcarewithinandsel<ishnessoutCircleuswithyourlove.
Thereissomuchthatwecanlearnfromthisancientfuturetraditionwhosefollowerssawthemselvesasguestsoftheworld,livinglightlyonthisearthandnotbecomingattachedtopossessionsorplace.Theybelievedalloflifewasapilgrimage,ajourneytowardsGodinwhicheveryexperienceandeveryencounterprovidedopportunitytobothrepresentandlearnaboutGod.
AsfollowersofJesus,liketheearlyCelticChristians,weareencouragedtoAindaregularRuleorrhythmthatequipsusbothtojourneyeverdeeperintotheheartofGodandtolivekingdomlifeeffortlesslyandinstinctively.TheseearlymonasticsallpracticedsimpleRules,suchasSt.Columba’scommitmenttoeatonlywhenhungryandreAlectuponthesufAiciencyofGod.AtGallarusontheDinglePeninsulathereisanOratory,orprayerhouse,shapedasanupturnedboat.Hereindividualmonkswouldcometopracticethedisciplineofprayer,alwayremindedastheygazedseawardthattheywereredeemedtoservetheworldandthatGodplacedthemasnavigatorstosailthroughlifeatthebiddingofthewindofGod’sspirit;theirlivesanddestinywerenottheirownbutGod’s.
AdistinctivetraditioncommonacrossBritainandIrelandwasthepopularityofperegrinatioproChristo,or"exileforChrist".MostperegriniorexilesofthistypewereseekingpersonalspiritualfulAilment,butmanybecameinvolvedinmissionaryendeavours.SaintPatrickbecametheevangelistofIrelandduringwhathecalledhisperegrinatiothere,whiletheIrishmenColumbaandColumbanusfoundedhighlyimportantreligiouscommunitiesafterleavingtheirhomes.
ProbablythemostfamousperegrinatiowasthatundertakenbyBrendanthevoyager.ReputedlyhesetsailwithfourteenorAifteencompanions,inasmallcoracleofwoodandoxhidefromIrelandandendedupinNewfoundland.Anamazingachievementbackinthe6thcentury.Ilovethisprayerthatisattributedtohimandspeakstotheneedofallofustoriskjourneyingbeyondwhatisfamiliar.
Helpmetojourneybeyondthefamiliarandintotheunknown.GivemethefaithtoleaveoldwaysandbreakfreshgroundwithYou.Christofthemysteries,ItrustYoutobestrongerthaneachstormwithinme.Iwilltrustinthedarknessandknow
�10
thatmytimes,evennow,areinYourhand.Tunemyspirittothemusicofheaven,andsomehow,makemyobediencecountforYou.
Recognizingourselvesasguestsandpilgrimsaffectshowwevieweverythingthathappenstous.Pilgrimsandthosewhotravelfrequentlydonottakeanythingforgranted.Theylearntobegratefulforcomfortsthatthosewhoneverleavehometakeforgranted.Foraguest,eachmeal,especiallyahomecookedmeal,isagiftoflovefromthehost.Eachbedprovidedforustosleepinisagenerousactofsharingandcaring.EverythingisnowagiftofGod.
Soasyougooutintotheworldthisweekthinkofwhatyoucouldlearnfromthisancienttradition.LookforGodinthetranslucenceofcreation,inthefacesofstrangers.ThinkofyourselfasaguestoftheworldandprepareyourselffortheamazinggiftsGodwantstolavishonyoutoday–giftsoffriendship,andfood,giftsoffellowshipandloveandcaring.Andletmeknowwhatnewthingsopenupforyouasaresult.
�11
A Celtic House Blessing
�12
A Hospitality Liturgy
Thefollowingliturgyrevolvesaroundthepracticeofhospitality.Icompileditfromanumberofdifferentprayers,someofwhichIhavewrittenmyself.Othersdatebackoverathousandyears.YoumayliketogettogetherwithagroupoffriendsoveramealanddiscusshowyoucouldbecomeGod’shospitalitytoyourcommunity.UsethisliturgytofocusyourmindsandheartsonthecalltobeChrist’shospitalitytoourworld.Brigit’sprayerwhichisusedaspartofthisliturgy,alsomakesagreatgracebeforeameal.Youmightliketowriteoutcopiesforeachpersonandreciteittogetherasyoubeginyourmeal.
Leader:TheCelticChristiansbelievedthathospitalitywasnotonlymeanttobeacustomintheirhomes,theybelieveditwasakeyintotheKingdomofGod.ToofferhospitalitywasseenasreceivingChristintotheirmidstandful@illingthelawoflove.LetussitinsilentprayerforamomenttoremindourselvesoftheincrediblehospitalityofGodwhoinvitesusintohispresenceandintohisfamily.
SilentPrayer
Allstandforlightingofthecandle
Leader:TheKingisknocking.Ifthouwould’sthavethyshareofheavenonearth,liftthelatchandletinthekingofKings.(Hebrideanwelcome)
All:Christasalight,illumineandguideus;Christasashield,overshadowus.Christunderme,Christoverus,Christbesideus,Onourleftandourright,Thisdaybewithinandwithoutus.Lowlyandmeek,yetall-powerful,Beintheheartofeachtowhomwespeak,Inthemouthofeachwhospeakstous,Thisdaybewithinandwithoutus.Lowlyandmeek,yetall-powerful,Christasalight,Christasashield,Christbesideus,onourleftandourright.
Leader:Brigit,the@ifth-centuryIrishsaint,wasfamedforherhospitality.Thefollowingprayerisattributedtoher.AswereciteitletusconsiderourownneedtobeGod’shospitalitytoothers.
All:Ishouldlikeagreatlakeof6inestale,fortheKingofKingsIshouldlikeatableofthechoicestfood,forthefamilyofheaven.Letthealebemadefromthefruitsoffaith,andthefoodbeforgivinglove.Ishouldwelcomethepoortomyfeast,fortheyareGod’schildren.
�13
Ishouldwelcomethesicktomyfeast,fortheyareGod’sjoy.LetthepoorsitwithJesusatthehighestplace,andthesickdancewiththeangelsGodblessthepoor,Godblessthesick,andblessourhumanrace.Godblessourfood,Godblessourdrink,allhomes,OGod,embrace.
Leader:IopenmyhearttoChristinthestranger,People:ToChristinthefaceofcolleagueandfriend,Leader:IopenmyhearttotheonewhoiswoundedPeople:ToChristinthehungry,thelonely,thehomelessLeader:IopenmyhearttotheonewhohashurtmePeople:ToChristinthefacesofsinnerandfoeLeader:IopenmyhearttothosewhoareoutcastPeople:ToChristinthebroken,theprisoner,thepoorLeader:IopenmyhearttoallwhoaresearchingPeople:ToChristintheworldGod’sgenerousgift
ScriptureReadings
Psalm84Hebrews12:28–13:8Mark12:28-34
DeclarationofFaith
WebelieveandtrustinGodtheFatherAlmighty.WebelieveandtrustinJesusChristtheSonWebelieveandtrustintheHolySpirit.WebelieveandtrustintheThreeinOne.
Leader:TheLordbewithyouPeople:AndalsowithyouLeader:Letuspray.
OurFatherwhoartinheaven,hallowedbethyname,thykingdomcome,thywillbedone,onearthasitisinheaven.Giveusthisdayourdailybread,andforgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstusandleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromevil,forthineisthekingdom,thepowerandtheglory,foreverandever,Amen
Leader:LetuspraythatwemaylearnwhatitmeanstobeGod’shospitalitytoourworld.
Kneelorstandfortheprayers
�14
Leader:Thatthebarriersthatdivideusmaybebrokendown,All:Lordhavemercy.Leader:Thatwemaylivebythelawofloveinunity,peaceandconcordAll:Lordhavemercy.Leader:Thatwemaycometomutualunderstandingandcare,All:Lordhavemercy.Leader:UponallwhoaretornapartbywarandbyviolenceAll:Christhavemercy.Leader:Uponallwhosufferfromdissensionsandquarrels,All:Christhavemercy.Leader:Uponallwhoaredividedintheirloyaltyandlove,All:Christhavemercy.Leader:ThatallwhoworkforunityandinthespiritofhospitalitymaybeblessedAll:Lordhavemercy.Leader:ThatallwhoseektohealdivisionsbetweenpeoplesmayhavehopeAll:Lordhavemercy.Leader:Thatallwholeadnations,mayseekpeaceAll:Lordhavemercy[3]Leader:ThefollowingblessingisanancientCelticruneofhospitality.
Wesawastrangeryesterday,weputfoodintheeatingplace,Drinkinthedrinkingplace,musicinthelisteningplace,AndwiththesacrednameofthetriuneGodHeblessedusandourhouse,ourcattleandourdearones.Asthelarksaysinhersong:Often,often,oftengoestheChristinthestranger’sguise
All:IopenmyhearttobethehospitalityofChrist,toallthosewhocometomydoor.Iopenmyhearttoembracethestranger,thefriend,therich,thepoor.Iopenmylifetoofferageneroushearttowardsall.
Leader:TheblessingsofGodbeuponthishouse,withplentyoffoodandplentyofdrink,Withplentyofbedsandplentyofale,withmuchrichesandmuchcheerWithmanykinandlengthoflife,everuponit.
All:Amen
�15
St. Patrick’s Breastplate: A Responsive Litany
WebinduntoourselvestodaythestrongnameoftheTrinity,Byinvocationofthesame,theThreeinOneandOneinthree.
Webindthisdaytousforever,bypoweroffaith,Christ’sIncarnation;HisbaptismintheJordanRiver;hisdeathoncrossformysalvation;Hisburstingfromthespicedtomb;Hisridinguptheheavenlyway;hiscomingatthedayofdoom;Webinduntoourselvestoday.
Wecastofftheworksofdarknesstoday,Andputonthearmouroflight,Lightbeforeusandbehind,Lightwithinandlightwithout,Lighttoguideandtoleadus,LetusclotheourselveswithChrist.
Christbehindus,Christbeforeus,Christbesideus,Christtowinus,Christtocomfortandrestoreme,Christbeneathus,Christaboveus,Christinquiet,Christindanger,Christinheartsofallthatloveus,Christinmouthoffriend&stranger
Letuswrapourselvesaroundwiththebeltoftruth,Andstraponthebreastplateofrighteousness,Letuscladourfeetwiththegospelofpeace,placethehelmetofsalvationonourheads.Andtakeuptheshieldoffaith.LetusclotheourselveswithChrist.
Webinduntoourselvestoday,thepowerofGodtoholdandlead,God’seyetowatch,God’smighttostay,God’seartoharkentoourneed,ThewisdomofourGodtoteach,God’shandtoguide,andshieldtoward,TheWordofGodtogiveusspeech,God’sheavenlyhosttobeourguard.
IntheloveofGodwhosheltersus,InthelightofChristwhowalksbesideus,InthepoweroftheSpiritwhodwellswithinus,
�16
Weplaceourselvestoday.LetusclotheourselveswithChrist.
WebinduntoourselvestodaythestrongnameoftheTrinity,Byinvocationofthesame,theThreeinOne,theOneinThree.Ofwhomallnaturehathcreation,EternalGod,Spirit,Word;PraisetotheGodofoursalvation,SalvationisofChristtheLord.
�17
Walking in Circles
CirclesweresigniLicanttotheCeltsanditisnotsurprisingthatcirclingprayersorCAIMbecameanimportantpartoftheirprayerlife.
Itwasfeltthatacirclewithnobreakwasacompletewholeaffordingnoaccesstothedevil.Monasterieswereoftenbuiltwithacircleofcrossessurroundingthemdeclaringthatthespacewithinwassacredanddifferent–dedicatedtoGodandclaimedasaplacewhereGodmetpeoplewhowereofferedsanctuaryandhospitality.
TheCelticcrosswithitscircleattheheartofthecrossdrewonsigniLicanceofthesunasthesourceofheatandlight,remindingpeopleofthenimbusorhalothatartistsusedtosignifythewhiteheatofpureholiness.(fromTheCelticResourceBook–MartinWallace)
Sometimesprayerswouldbesaidwiththedrawingofanimaginarycirclearoundthepeopleorplacebeingprayedfor.Atothertimesanactualcirclepathwascreatedaroundaroom,abuildingorcommunityandthecirclingprayerrecitedaspeoplewalkedaminipilgrimagearoundthearea.Thisisahighlyeffectiveformofprayertouseforahouseblessing,orasaprayerforprotection,orasaprayerforspiritualstrength.
�18
Creating a Caim
CreatingyourownCaim,orprayerofprotection,isonewaytoenterintotheCeltictradition.UsingtheCelticcirclingprayerasatemplatethisoffersustheopportunitytoinvolveourbodiesandourspiritsinourprayers.(ThisexerciseisadaptedfromonewrittenbyChristineValtersPaintner. )5
Directions
1.Getapieceofpaperoryourjournalandsomecolouredpensorpencilsanddrawacircleabout3"indiameteronthepaper.
Pray:Circleme,Lord:Keepfearwithout.Aroundthecirclewriteyourfears.
Pray:Keepjoywithin.Writesomejoyfulelementsfromyourlifeinsidethecircle.
2.Drawanothercircleonthepaper.Pray:Circleme,Lord:Keepcomplainingwithout.
Writesomeofthethingsyoucomplainaboutaroundthecircle.
Pray:Keeppeacewithin.Writesomepeacefulimagesinsidethecircle.
3.Nowcreateathirdcircleonthepaper.
Pray:CirclemeLord:Keepdespairwithout.Writesomeofthethingsthatmakeyoufeeldepressedordesperatearoundthecircle.
Pray:Keepbeautywithin.
4. Addothercirclestothepageifthereareothercoupletsthatcometoyourmind.
Youmightliketooverlapthecirclesifyoufeelwhattheybringtomindisintertwined.YoumightalsoliketocolorordecoratethecircleswithCelticbraiding.
5.Finallydrawacirclearoundtheouteredgeofthepagethatcirclesallyourothercircles.
Pray:CirclemeLord;keephopelessnessout.
For more information about Christine Valters Paintner http://abbeyofthearts.com/ 5
�19
WritesomeofthethingsthatmakeyoufeeldistantfromGodaroundthecircle.
Pray:Keeplovewithin.ThislastcircleistoremindusthatnothingisoutsidetheloveofGod,whichencircleseverythinginourlives.
�20
Resource List
ThisresourcelistispartofalargerCelticbibliographycompiledbyCelticexpertandspiritualdirector,TomCashman.
BookResources
Adam,DavidTheEdgeofGlory;PrayersintheCelticTradition;DavidAdam’sbestknownworkprovidesprayerinlorica,litany,andfreeverseformatsforpersonalandgroupusage.
Adam,DavidTheRhythmofLife;CelticDailyPrayer;Thisbookoffersaseven-daycycleofprayerforindividualorcommunityuse.Therearesegmentsformorning,mid-day,andeveningcomprisedofscriptureandprayersofhisownorigination.TomandIhaveusedthisforyearsaspartofourprayerrhythm.
Bradley,IanTheCelticWay.StillthebestbasicoverviewofCelticChristianity;oftenusedasthetextforinitialclassesonCelticspirituality.
Bradley,IanCelticChristianCommunities:ColoniesofHeaven.ThismorerecentbookbyBradleytakesusintopracticalapplicationoftheworldviewandspiritualpracticeoftheCelticChristianchurch.Thisisa“mustread”foranystudentofthefuture,emergingchurch.
Carmicheal,AlexanderTheCarminaGaedelica;Thisistheclassicprimarysourcebookoforaltraditioncollectedbetween1855and1910byAlexanderCarmichaellargelyintheouterHebrides.Includedaremanyprayerformsthatstretchour20thcenturydeLinitionofprayerintheChristiantradition.Someofthe”charms”and“spells”remindusofPsalmsthatcalldownGod’swrathagainstourenemies.ThereisalsogreatdepthandbeautyinmanyprayersthathavebeenrescuedfromoblivionbyCarmichael.Mostoftheseprayersareavailableonlinehere.
DeWaal,EstherEveryEarthlyBlessing;RediscoveringtheCelticTradition.OneofthebestintroductionsofCelticSpirituality,containingsplendidexamplesfromCelticpoetryandotherwritings.
TheCelticWayofPrayerThisisoneofmyfavoriteswhichprovidesnotjustanintroductiontothedifferentaspectsofCelticspiritualitybutalsoaricharrayofprayers
Fitzgerald,WilliamJ.AContemporaryCelticPrayerBook;Perhapsthebestpracticalguideforcommunitydailyliturgyyet.FitzgeraldisaretiredAmericanpriestwhoreframestheCarminafortoday.Anexcellent7-daycycleofprayeristhebooks’core.Thesecondhalfprovidesprayerforspecialneedsandextraordinaryoccasions.
BlessingsfortheFastPaced&Cyberspaced;Fr.Fitzgeraldprovidesthisextensionofprayersforthehecticworldinwhichwelivetoday.Forexample,thereareblessingsfor“thecomputerasIsitdowntoit,”forsoccermoms,andforcouplestryingtoconceive.HetakesusthroughmanyroutinelifesituationswithaneyetowardsLindingthesacredinallofthem.
TheIonaCommunityIonaAbbeyWorshipBook;Theforwardofthiswonderfuloffersinsightintotheusesoftheseprayers,liturgiesandlitanieswithintheIonaCommunityandthethinkingthatunderliestheircompositionandutilization.Suggestionsaremadeforuseinourcommunities
�21
world-wideaswell.TheuseoftheseprayersoffersinsightintotheessentialtheologyandethosoftheIonaCommunity.
Newell,J.Philip,TheBookofCreation;AnIntroductiontoCelticSpiritualityThisseriesofmeditationsonthesevendaysofcreationexploresaspectsofGodinfusedintheCelticChristianethos.Seldomdoesourtraditionconsiderthewildness,thefecundity,andthecreaturelinessofGod.ButNewelldoesinamannerthatenchantsandinspiresandenlargesourawarenessofGodincreation.Mustread!
NorthumbrianCommunityCelticDailyPrayer;Inadditiontoprovidingadailycyclewithlectionary,italsoincludesComplinesinthetraditionofvariousCelticSaints,meditations,andaHolyCommunionservice.Thelatterportionoffersthemedandsituationalprayersandblessings.TwoseriesofdailyreadingsafterthetraditionofAidanandFiniancomprisetheLinalsection.Thisisasubstantialresource.
Simpson,RayExploringCelticSpiritualityFounderofSt.AidanTrust,RaySimpsonoffersavisionofthefutureaswellasanexplorationofourCelticroots.LikeNewell,heseestheGospelofJohnasrepresentativeoftheCeltic&EasternChurches,balancingthePetrine&PaulinelegsoftheChristiantripod.
Sellner,EdwardWisdomoftheCelticSaintsThisisanexcellentcollectionofstoriesandlegendsofvarioussaints,includingsomeofthemoreobscure.ParticularlyusefulistheintroductionidentifyinghallmarksoftheCelticChristianworldview.
Sellner,EdwardStoriesoftheCelticSoulFriends:TheirMeaningforTodayTrackingtheanamcharaconceptoftheCelticChristians,Dr.Sellnerexploresthespiritualpracticeofthesoul-friendrelationshipintheCelticchurch.HealsofollowsitasanoveralliconofthevalueofrelationshipintheCelticChristianculture.
VandeWeyer,RobertCelticFire:ThePassionateReligiousVisionofAncientBritainandIreland.AgreatwhimsicalcollectionofprayersandgoodasanintroductionforthosethatknownothingaboutCelticspirituality.Ilovethisbook,whichwastheLirstgiftTomevergaveme.
OnlineResources
MyfavouritewriterofCelticprayerstodayisJohnBirchatFaithandWorship.
Forsomewonderfulphotos,prayersandlinks,checkoutTheCelticChristianTraditiononFacebook.
RevBrendaWarrenhasanexcellentresourceCeltstotheCreche,thatsheputtogetherseveralyearsagoforAdvent.Ihighlyrecommendwalkingthroughtheseason(oranyotherseason)withherhelp.
IhavealsopostedanumberofCelticliturgiesandblessingsonGodspace.Youmightliketocheckoutsomeofthesetoo:
• ACelticHospitalityLiturgy• LetUsGoForth–ACelticSendingOutPrayer• Brigid’sFeast• ACelticBlessing• AnIrishBlessingbyJohnO’Donohue
�22
• IrishBlessingsforStPatrick’sDay• StPatrick’sBreastplate–aresponsiveliturgy• CelticHouseBlessing• CelticRuneofHospitality
�23
Christine Sine
ChristineSineChristineSineisthefounderandfacilitatorforthepopularblogGodspace,whichisfoundatgodspacelight.com,andgrewoutofherpassionforcreativespirituality,gardeningandsustainability.Togetherwithherhusband,Tom,sheisalsoco-FounderofMustardSeedAssociatesbutrecentlyretiredtomaketimeavailableforwritingandspeaking.Shedescribesherselfasacontemplativeactivist,passionategardener,author,andliturgist.ShelovesmessingwithchurchtraditionsandinspiringfollowersofJesustodevelopcreativeapproachestospiritualitythatintertwinethesacredthroughalloflife.Shefacilitatesworkshopsonspiritualityandgardening,simplicityandsustainabilityandhowtodevelopamorespiritualrhythmforourlives.
ChristineisinspiredbyCelticChristianspirituality,whichhasopenedhereyestotheGodwhoispresentineverymoment,everyexperienceandeveryplace.Sheisopentolearningfromeveryoneandeverythingaround.
SheisanavidgardenerwithagrowingpassiontoenablefollowersofChristtoconnecttheirfaithtotheireverydaylives.Shespeaksonissuesrelatingtohowtochangeourtimestylesandlifestylestodevelopamorespiritualrhythmthatinterweavesthroughouteveryaspectoflife.HerlatestbooksareToGardenWithGod,andReturntoOurSenses:ReimaginingHowWePray.