A few years ago, a friend gave me a book of Celtic Daily Prayer, which offers a guide for morning, mid-day, and evening prayers. These prayers come from the Northumbria Community on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northeast England. I have found the Celtic tradition with its emphasis on the basic goodness inherent in people and creation quite refreshing.

Within the liturgy of the morning prayer, there is a Celtic blessing that has become quite special to me. It could be used as a blessing for any departure - as you leave from a church service, part with a loved one, or even as you prepare to leave home for work in the morning. I leave it with you today as our daily prayer. Let us pray:

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, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.