Celtic Carmelites
A Prayer Community of the Celtic Rite Old Catholic Church
The following are a few prayers designed to calm the soul and help us focus on loving and trusting our Lord. We encourage the reader to spend quiet time composing prayers from your own spirit. Placing the words to print helps us "go deeper" in our heart's conversation with God.
Wisdom From Saint Therese
Saint Therese of Lisieux was a Carmelite Nun who passed away at the age of twenty-four. Her autobiography, The Story Of A Soul is considered a Christian Classic. This little quotation from her is a wonderful inspiration to us.
Everything is grace,
everything is the direct effect
of our Father's love.
Everything is grace because -
everything is God's gift.
Whatever be the character of
life or its unexpected events -
to the heart that loves,
all is well.
The Prayer of Saint Columba
Along with St. Patrick and St. Brigid, St. Columba is considered one of the most beloved of the Celtic Saints. He was banished from Ireland and Providentially landed in Iona, Scotland, where he established one of the worlds most famous monasteries.
Let me bless Almighty God,
whose power extends over sea and land,
whose angels watch over all.
Let me study sacred books to calm my soul:
I pray for peace,
kneeling at heaven's gates.
Let me do my daily work,
gathering seaweed, catching fish,
giving food to the poor.
Let me say my daily prayers,
sometimes chanting, sometimes quiet,
always thanking God.
Delightful it is to live
on a peaceful isle, in a quiet cell,
serving the King of kings.
Lord of My Heart
(Ancient Irish)
Lord of my heart
Give me vision to inspire me
That, working or resting,
I may always think of you.
Lord of my heart
Give me light to guide me
That, at home or abroad,
I may always walk in your way.
Lord of my heart
Give me wisdom to direct me
That, thinking or acting,
I may always discern right from wrong.
Heart of my own heart
Whatever befall me
Rule over my thoughts and feelings
My words and actions.
A Meditation by
St. John Crysostom
"The Ancient of Days has become an infant...
For this He assumed my body that I may become capable of His Word, taking my flesh.
He gives me His Spirit; and so he bestowing and me receiving.
He prepares for me the treasure of life.
He takes my flesh, to sanctify me.
He gives me His Spirit that he may save me."
Prayer of Fr. Titus Brandsma, O. Carm.
Father Titus Brandsma was a Carmelite Priest who was an outspoken critic of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis during World War II. Eventually he was imprisoned and later murdered by lethal injection in the Dachau concentration camp. This is a prayer he composed while in prison.
Before A Picture Of Jesus In My Cell
A new awareness of thy love
Encompasses my heart:
Sweet Jesus, I in Thee and Thou
in me shall never part.
No grief shall fall my way but I
Shall see thy grief filled eyes;
The lonely way that Thou once walked
Has made me sorrow-wise.
All trouble is a white-lit joy
That lights my darkest day;
Thy love has turned to brightest light
This night-like way.
If I have Thee alone,
the hours will bless
With still, cold hands of love
My utter loneliness.
Stay with me Jesus, Only stay;
I shall not fear
If, reaching out my hand,
I feel Thee near.
Meditation to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel - Be our constant hope.
Mary, perfect disciple of the Lord-make us also faithful to him.
Mary, flower of Carmel-fill us with your joy.
Virgin Mary, Beauty of Carmel-smile upon your family.
Sweet Mother of Carmel-accept me as your child.
Holy Mother beyond compare-remember your children forever. Holy Virgin, Star of the Sea - be our Beacon of Light.
Protecting Veil - shelter us in the mantle of your love.
Mary, conceived without sin-pray for us who have recourse to you.
A Blessing
by John O'Donohue
May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in bland absences.
May the day never burden
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.