The Sarum Prayer
God be in my head—and in my understanding
God be in my eyes—and in my looking
God be in my mouth—and in my speaking
God be in my heart—and in my thinking
God be at my end—and at my departing
Breath Meditation Practice
Take some deep breaths: In through the nose, out through the mouth, three at least or more. As you notice your mind wandering, gently return your focus to the breath.
Psalm Portion for the Week
Psalm 1, 8–12 (Robert Alter)
Guard me, O Lord, for I shelter in you…
I bless the Lord Who gave me Counsel,
through the nights that my conscience would lash me.
I set the Lord always before me,
on my right hand, that I not stumble.
So my heart rejoices and my pulse beats for joy,
my whole body abides secure.
For you will not forsake my life to Sheol,
You won’t let your faithful one see the Pit.
Make me know the path of life.
Joys overflow in your presence,
Delights in your right hand forever.
Words of the Followers Portion
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)
Prayer for Loved Ones
Take a minute (more if you like) to simply name your loved ones. Practice not over-thinking. Just naming. Focus on your feeling of love for each one.
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Gratitude Practice
For the many blessings of this day, we are thankful. Lord make us mindful. For each person we love, we are thankful. Lord make us mindful. For each person who loves us, we are thankful. Lord make us mindful.
Take a few moments to identify three things you are thankful for: big things, small delights, whatever comes to mind. Jot them down or call them to mind.
Closing Sarum Prayer
As a breath prayer. On the in breath: God be in my head. On the out breath: and in my understanding… Consider this your encouragement of the Divine Spirit’s active presence in and through you.
God be in my head—and in my understanding
God be in my eyes—and in my looking
God be in my mouth—and in my speaking
God be in my heart—and in my thinking
God be at my end—and at my departing
Benediction
Go in peace: wash your hands, love your neighbor as yourself, you are not alone!