Pilgrimage Prayers

• A Pilgrim's Prayer While Traveling in Ireland

  The pilgrim's way is cured and narrow,
  but always marked as the way of the saints.
  In the spirit of Bridget and Brendon, Keven and Keiran,
  Colman and Columba, and always Patrick,
  we travel the old pathways in prayer and joyfulness.
  Amen.
  
  March 2006

• One Step Now

  Pilgrim steps, I pray
  are but one at a time today.
  For if more might be required
  I will see it as not desired
  to even begin the way in prayer
  less I fall into some despair.
  But God asks only this somehow
  for me to take one step with my God now.

  5/13/2004 Holy Island, Lindesfarne
  

• The Bell of Holy Island

  The bell rings out to begin our prayers
  pulled by the priest morning and night.
  A call to prayer as in generations past,
  but now the prayers are yours and mine at last.

  The bell at St. Mary’s on Holy Island
  ringing out for centuries now
  As people of faith gather together
  where Aiden, Cuthbert and all the saints remain forever.

  Let the bell ring out to announce the call
  for prayers to begin, yours and mine at last.
  Let your prayers begin for our sisters and brothers,
  in the name of Jesus and Mary our mother.

  5/13/2004 Holy Island, Lindesfarne
  

• Clare

  I met you in Assisi from ages past,
  in your place of prayer, on the step stone paths.
  In those who follow yet your way,
  your presence is felt by pilgrims and
  friends who seek God as we quietly pray.

  I met you at Holy Island and Gate
  in ages present in your place of prayer,
  in your hospitality shared and kindness of gifts,
  your presence welcomed by pilgrims and friends
  coming once or again and again.

  I will meet you again in places and times yet to be named.
  For Claire will be there in a place of prayer,
  serving her God for all of creation to share.

  5/14/2004 Holy Island, Lindesfarne
  

• Places of Secret Prayer

  Circle me, O God, with your divine presence as
  I step into secret places of prayer in my home state.
  Help me to see your presence at home
  Help me to see your presence
  Help me to see you
  Help me to see
  Help me to
  Help me
  Circle me, O God. Amen

  7/16/2004 Moundville, Alabama
  

• What Have I Seen and Where Have I Walked?

  I have seen places I have only dreamed about.
  I have seen places I have only read about.
  I have seen places I have only heard about.
  I have seen places I have only prayed about.
  Now, I have walked into places where the footsteps
  of God are deep and yet new to you and me.
  May I will walk the pilgrims way again.

  8/20/2004 Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama