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 26: 6–8 (Robert Alter)
Today as you hear this Psalm portion, consider that the body is an abode, a dwelling place of the Spirit.
Let me wash my hands in innocence
and go round your altar, O Lord
To utter aloud a thanksgiving
and to recount all your wonders
Lord I love the abode of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.
Words of Jesus Portion
He [Saul] fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4–6)
Place yourself in the scene as though you were the one being defended in this way, having been the object of hostility camouflaged in the cloak of religion, ideology, or whatever is handy.
Prayer for Loved Ones
Devote a minute to naming your loved ones, thus presenting them in love before the one who is Love.
Serenity Prayer [longer form]
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.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Gratitude Practice
And Love
Says,
“I will, I will take care of you,”
To everything that is
Near.
(Hafiz)
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. If you like, pick one line to return to through the day.
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, you are not alone!