Promises, Promises

Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

There is a prayer known as St Patrick’s Breastplate that speaks volumes to me on my Christian journey. Towards the end of the prayer it has some wonderfully encouraging words.

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 when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

In the Celtic tradition we speak of being encircled. One of my favourite Celtic spiritual practices is the “caim” or encircling prayer. The “caim” involves simply drawing a circle around yourself or another person physically or in your imagination. This encircling prayer is grounded in our awareness of the constant companionship and protection of the divine. It reminds us that God is in this place. Often, as they embarked on journeys or felt at risk, Celtic pilgrims would inscribe a circle around themselves as a reminder of God’s ever-present companionship and protection.

A Christ-centred life begins with realising that the source of everything we are is the Lord. He created us, he owns us, he gifted us with talents, he authors our story, and every blessing that we receive comes from him

We are surrounded by God’s promises, peace, protection, and power as we surrender to and walk in His will. The blessings and promise of God that flow in our lives will overflow and touch the lives family, friends and co-workers are all contingent or dependent on our walking and living in right relationship with God. We must maintain a right relationship God at all times.

Lord God of heaven and earth:

Please break out of the box that I keep you in.

Please break the cast that I have fashioned for you.

Please break the rules that I have put on you.

Please destroy the narrow ideas that I have about you.

Please reveal yourself far beyond the image that I have of you.

Build foundations of true gold in my life.

May you take pleasure in living in me in all your fullness.

Enable me to have a truly open heart to receive you in fullness.

Enable me to have truly empty hands to receive from you.

May you strengthen my knees.

May you warm my heart.

May Jesus be present in me.

May Jesus be glorified in me.

Lord God of heaven and earth,

Please …

Come … Amen