What is Celtic Spirituality?

AnIntroductiontoaRichTradition

ByChristineSine

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Table of Contents

CelticSpirituality-WhatIsTheAttraction?5

ACelticHouseBlessing 11

AHospitalityLiturgy12

St.Patrick’sBreastplate:AResponsiveLitany 15

WalkinginCircles 17

CreatingaCaim 18

ResourceList 20

ChristineSine23

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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.

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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thatmytimes,evennow,areinYourhand.Tunemyspirittothemusicofheaven,andsomehow,makemyobediencecountforYou.

Recognizingourselvesasguestsandpilgrimsaffectshowwevieweverythingthathappenstous.Pilgrimsandthosewhotravelfrequentlydonottakeanythingforgranted.Theylearntobegratefulforcomfortsthatthosewhoneverleavehometakeforgranted.Foraguest,eachmeal,especiallyahomecookedmeal,isagiftoflovefromthehost.Eachbedprovidedforustosleepinisagenerousactofsharingandcaring.EverythingisnowagiftofGod.

Soasyougooutintotheworldthisweekthinkofwhatyoucouldlearnfromthisancienttradition.LookforGodinthetranslucenceofcreation,inthefacesofstrangers.ThinkofyourselfasaguestoftheworldandprepareyourselffortheamazinggiftsGodwantstolavishonyoutoday–giftsoffriendship,andfood,giftsoffellowshipandloveandcaring.Andletmeknowwhatnewthingsopenupforyouasaresult.

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A Celtic House Blessing

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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.

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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

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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

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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,

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Weplaceourselvestoday.LetusclotheourselveswithChrist.

WebinduntoourselvestodaythestrongnameoftheTrinity,Byinvocationofthesame,theThreeinOne,theOneinThree.Ofwhomallnaturehathcreation,EternalGod,Spirit,Word;PraisetotheGodofoursalvation,SalvationisofChristtheLord.

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Walking in Circles

CirclesweresigniLicanttotheCeltsanditisnotsurprisingthatcirclingprayersorCAIMbecameanimportantpartoftheirprayerlife.

Itwasfeltthatacirclewithnobreakwasacompletewholeaffordingnoaccesstothedevil.Monasterieswereoftenbuiltwithacircleofcrossessurroundingthemdeclaringthatthespacewithinwassacredanddifferent–dedicatedtoGodandclaimedasaplacewhereGodmetpeoplewhowereofferedsanctuaryandhospitality.

TheCelticcrosswithitscircleattheheartofthecrossdrewonsigniLicanceofthesunasthesourceofheatandlight,remindingpeopleofthenimbusorhalothatartistsusedtosignifythewhiteheatofpureholiness.(fromTheCelticResourceBook–MartinWallace)

Sometimesprayerswouldbesaidwiththedrawingofanimaginarycirclearoundthepeopleorplacebeingprayedfor.Atothertimesanactualcirclepathwascreatedaroundaroom,abuildingorcommunityandthecirclingprayerrecitedaspeoplewalkedaminipilgrimagearoundthearea.Thisisahighlyeffectiveformofprayertouseforahouseblessing,orasaprayerforprotection,orasaprayerforspiritualstrength.

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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

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WritesomeofthethingsthatmakeyoufeeldistantfromGodaroundthecircle.

Pray:Keeplovewithin.ThislastcircleistoremindusthatnothingisoutsidetheloveofGod,whichencircleseverythinginourlives.

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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

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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

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• IrishBlessingsforStPatrick’sDay• StPatrick’sBreastplate–aresponsiveliturgy• CelticHouseBlessing• CelticRuneofHospitality

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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.