Tuesday, June 2, 2009

For Oonagh+

One of my classmates from seminary died of a heart attack on Pentecost. She had beautiful red hair and a vibrant personality. Her Kenny found her dead and is suffering greatly from his loss. All of my classmates were younger than I and I would guess that Oonagh is in her mid fifties now. We were not close, but her death has shaken me. This prayer is especially for Kenny. It is a Caim (encircling prayer) written as a night prayer for someone recently bereaved from Celtic Daily Prayer. Most appropriate for someone who loved Oonagh+ whose heart was in Ireland.
This night and every night
seems infinite with questions,
and sleep as elusive
as answers.

Pain and longing are always present,
dulled only a little
by the distractions of day.
I am weary; I am angry.
I am confused.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep despair and disillusion wihout.
Bring a glimmer of hope within.

Circle me, Lord;
keep nightmare without.
Bring moments of rest within.

Circle me Lord;
keep bitterness without.
Bring an occasional sense
of Your presence within.
Oonagh+, rest in peace and rise in glory.

5 comments:

June Butler said...

Amen. Prayers for Kenneth for comfort, consolation, and peace.

The Celtic prayer is fitting, indeed.

June Butler said...

Amelia, who is the editor/compiler of your Celtic Daily Prayer? There are several different books with that title.

motheramelia said...

It's the Northumbria Community and published by Harper Collins.

June Butler said...

Thanks. I want to buy it.

motheramelia said...

Mimi, I often use it instead of the BCP for my daily office. I seem to cycle between Hays' Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, the BCP and Celtic Daily Prayer. I have a few others, like the NZ Prayer Book, and the Franciscan Daily Office, but the first three get most of my attention. It must be clear from this that I'm not into routines.