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 or more if you like. Practice resting your focus on the breath—how it feels as the air enters the body, and the softening of the with the out breath.
Psalm Portion for the Week
Psalm 26: 6–8 (Robert Alter)
Today as you hear this Psalm portion, remember the body is an abode, a dwelling place of the Spirit. It just is.
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 the Followers Portion
The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11: 23–26)
Prayer for Loved Ones
Devote a minute to naming your loved ones, thus presenting them in love before the one who is Love. If you like, try it this way: introduce each named loved one with the phrase, “Love will take care of…” followed by the loved one’s name.
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
Slowly, as a breath prayer: on the in-breath, the first half of each line; on the out-breath, the last half of each line.
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!