Lent 2022, Day 16

 

 

The LORD bless you

and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face towards you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

This blessing, perhaps the best-known, from Numbers, puts me in mind of my favorite extra-biblical blessing, the Prayer of Saint Patrick. I will share it yet again this year, even though it does not address silly dogs and their overwrought owners at all. But it is comforting and profound and true, and I will meditate on it as the beasties and I have a few days of solitude and peace in the mountains.

 

Prayer of Saint Patrick

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 God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today

Against wounding

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through the mighty strength

Of the Lord of creation.

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