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
Opening Light Meditation
Picture the quality of a clear, warm sunlight in your mind’s eye…then imagine that same quality of sunlight streaming into your body from above the body, progressively filling the body from the souls of the feet, up through the legs, filling the chest, the arms, shoulders, neck and head with light.
Words of Unveiling
Revelation 4
These words of unveiling were written by a follower, John, who was banished to an island alone from his people. There he had visions, including this vision of heaven opened to him and a glimpse into the transcendent celestial worship that is beyond time.
The one thing we cannot do, perhaps for some time yet is to gather to sing with others—to let go of our personal preoccupations and let God fill our hearts with song. So let us, during this strange time, tune in to the song that has been taking place before the dawn of time in realms beyond our limited frame. Let the words and images wash over you, like music does—don’t bother trying to decode the meaning of any images that seem strange. This is, after all a vision of a song from Otherwhere.
After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal.
Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,
“Holy, holy, holy,
the Lord God the Almighty,
who was and is and is to come.”
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,
“You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
Perhaps today would be a good day to pick out some music that moves you deeply and give it your full attention.
Let me suggest that you do yourself favor today as an act of worship. Pick out some music that you love, and if you take the time, sit down to give it your full attention.
Prayer for Divine Perception
O Divine Wisdom, who dwells within the holy of holies, and whose light shines through all things created, fill our hearts, O blessed One, with the hope of a blessed future. Amen.
Prayer for Loved Ones
During this time, simply name your loved ones, accepting each as they are today, and holding them in love before the light and love of God.
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
Allow yourself to feel gratitude, appreciation, or delight, for three things, small or big, whatever comes to mind.
Benediction
All shall be Amen and Alleluia
We shall rest and we shall see
We shall see and we shall know
We shall know and we shall love
We shall love and we shall praise
Behold our end which is no end
(St. Augustine, North African Bishop)
So have a blessed day, go in peace, wash your hands, love your neighbor: you are not alone.