C-19 Reflection #18: Celtic Easter Prayer

C-19 Daily Resource (#18)

 Scripture: John 20-21

Celtic Vision and Expression:

The Celtic spiritual tradition is as old as the hills and yet untapped for many Christians.

It’s fresh style of reflection and prayer has a way of expanding our view because of its habit of integrating themes of Creation and Trinity into its Christ centered, incarnational passion for seeing, living and praying a cosmically ordered faith in the midst of the everyday.

As Christians are able to embrace these fresh ways of sensing and expressing the life with God, their perspective and prayer usually deepens and widens. I find that the broad scope and bold language of this Celtic stream of the faith gives powerful expression to faith and prayer, especially when we need to be reminded to stretch beyond our comfort zones for things more profound.

Biblically, the imagery of the Celtic tradition finds strong affinity with the Psalms and the Apostle John’s writings.  Meditatively, they can help the spirit to soar. Relationally, they seem designed to strengthen and heal. In these dark days, a tradition that expresses confidence in the light overcoming the darkness on both a personal and grand scale has got to be compelling.

Celtic Easter Prayer

 ~

 My Christ rise in glory

Scattering the darkness before your path.

The Sun of suns,

The eye of the great God.

The eye of the King of Hosts, is rising upon us,

gently and generously.

Welcome, glorious Son,

dawn of a new day.

Glory to you, Son of the Most High,

human face of God,

laboring with us, spending your life for us,

cross-bound to set us free.

Living One,

sword bright,

first and last,

banish all fear

from our minds.

Forgive us our sin.

On each of our dyings,

shed your lovely light.

Bright face of God,

warmed by your glory,

may we run to tell others

as you go ahead of us

into the world.

~ Kate McIlhagga 

* from Celtic Blessing: Prayers for Everyday Life; compiled by Ray Simpson