Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence

I arise today through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock….

I arise today through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation.

St Patrick’s Breastplate

Morning readings

Genesis 1:1-2 ESV:

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Psalm 33:6 ESV:

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

Colossians 1:15-17 ESV:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

John 1:1-5 ESV:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Reflections / Prayer:

We are at the outset of a story that will reveal to us the most profound mysteries of life. This story is simply about God, the glory of his character, the nature of his life and his desire to share that life with his creatures. It is about God come amongst us and the mixed response he received to his offer of divine life.
(The IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

Eternity – Who is like You, O God?

My mind can’t begin to grasp Your Being… outside of time and space… outside of all human categories… perfect, whole, self-contained – Three in One – Father, Son and Spirit. Eternal reality, yet mystery.

AWESOME!

Creation – Who is like You, O God?

You spoke everything into existence… the universe with its ever-expanding galaxies… life in all its forms – everything done through the agency of Your Word… all through You and for You. Wonderful to behold.

SILENCE!

Incarnation – Who is like You, O God?

The Word became the visible image of the invisible God… from creation at the Father’s side… into the created world as a child born in a manger – You became the very manifestation of life itself. Glory revealed.

JOY!

Conflict – Who is like You, O God?

Life and light in a world of darkness and rebellion. In a world coming unglued – You hold it all together. You are our guide… You are our wisdom… You are the One who saves us… You are the only One to make sense of it all. Lord, have mercy.

GRACE!

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

St Patrick’s Breastplate

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Sripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.