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40 Days of Lent
As we move together through the circles of the church year
and find ourselves on this annual Lenten path, let us be
aware of the encircling presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is an ancient Celtic prayer called the
Caim.
Stand still and use your pointer finger to draw a circle
around yourself to remind you of God’s presence
encircling you to protect you from danger. The prayer spoken
is:
Circle me O God Circle me O God
Keep hope within Keep peace within
Despair without. Keep turmoil out.
Circle me O God Circle me O God
Keep calm within Keep strength within
Keep storms without. Keep weakness out.
In times of stress, sickness, fear, grief, or
disappointment, this can be a beautiful prayer to carry our
thoughts to our God and to give us comfort.
Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love
of Christ (Romans 8:35-39). If we can image ourselves
as surrounded by the presence of the risen and victorious
Christ, nothing can hurt us. We trust within the encircling
protection of Christ. We live and move and have our being
within the healing touch of Christ.
As we journey through Lent this year, let us be diligent and
sincere in our soul searching in full knowledge that our God
walks with us and leads us on the right path. It reminds me
of the Shaker song, “Simple Gifts”
When true Simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
‘Till by turning, turning, we come ’round right!
May the turning of this season of Lent bring you round right
with Christ and set you on a new path encircled by the grace
and protection of our loving Savior, the Lord Jesus.
God is with us, encircling us. God cannot make hard times go
away easily, but God surrounds and upholds us in those
times. As we pray our Lenten prayers, we can stand secure
and at peace on holy ground. (Thoughts from Holy Ground by
Deborah Cronin)
Pastor JoNell
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