Ray Simpson > Quotes

“Frequently we do not leave the past behind. We clasp on to it. We dissect it, and let fears for the future, tempered by the past, unconsciously prevent us from taking up the task eternal.”
― Ray Simpson, Exploring Celtic Spirituality

“Many questing young people and stressed older people nowadays seek relaxation through meditation. They look for it in Hindu, Buddhist and other Eastern religions. They are often surprised to learn that there is such a way within the Christian tradition, a way that is known as contemplation.”
― Ray Simpson, Exploring Celtic Spirituality

“Contemplative prayer is natural, unprogrammed; it is perpetual openness to God, so that in the openness his concerns can flow in and out of our minds as he wills.”
― Ray Simpson, Exploring Celtic Spirituality

“Lord of my heart, give me vision to inspire me that, working or resting, I may always think of you. Lord of my heart, give me light to guide me that, at home or abroad I may always walk in your way. Lord of my heart, give me wisdom to direct me that, thinking or acting, I may always discern right from wrong. Heart of my own heart, whatever befall me, rule over my thoughts and feelings, my words and actions. ancient Irish”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“Iona, Iona, Iona, the seagulls crying, wheeling, flying o’er the rain-washed bay; Iona, Iona, The soft breeze sighing, the waves replying on a clear, blue day, Iona. Iona, Iona, the waters glisten, the wild winds listen to the voice of our Lord; Iona. Iona’s blessing strengthens and firmly it will hold you; then from this rocky fortress goes forth our island soldier; may Christ who calmed the tempest with safety now enfold you. Columba’s Prayer
from Columba, the Play with Music Lord, may these graces flower as never before—
the grace of authenticity and trust,
the grace of forgiving love and laughter,
the maturity of pity for those who manipulate.”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“Lord, make your home in the place you lead me. Take that place and fill it with your love. Make me at home wherever you lead me. May each place reflect a glory all your own.”
― Ray Simpson, 40 Prayers from Celtic Christianity

“[Aidan’s] teaching won the hearts of everyone because he taught what he and his followers lived out. He neither sought nor cared for the possessions of this world, and he loved to give away to the poor the gifts he received from the rich.”
― Ray Simpson, Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now

“Take time to get in touch with your shadow. Make a list of the things that most often make you angry with other people. This may give you clues as to your shadow’s feelings. Once you have been honest about your vices, make a conscious effort to replace each vice with its opposite virtue;”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“In each hour of my workday, make me aware, Spirit of Life, of the Eye that beholds me, the Hand that holds me, the Heart that loves me, the Presence that enfolds me.”
― Ray Simpson, Celtic Prayers for the Rhythm of Each Day

“The food which we are to eat is earth, water, and sun coming to us through pleasing plants The food which we are to eat is fruit of the labor of many creatures. We are thankful for it. May it give us health, strength, joy, and may it increase our love. a Unitarian prayer before a meal”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“Today is the autumnal equinox, when the hours of light and dark are in equal balance. This is a good day to take stock to make sure that we have a God-given equilibrium in our lives. This may seem a forlorn and frustrating task, until we realize that Christ, who is the perfect specimen of a balanced human being, can calm our agitated or overworked parts, heal our sick parts, and strengthen our weak parts. Gildas, who has been nicknamed the Jeremiah of the early British church because he was so critical of its lax members, believed in fasting and prayer—yet he was equally aware of the danger of going overboard and losing a sense of proportion. He wrote: There is no point in abstaining from bodily food if you do not have love in your heart. Those who do not fast much but who take great care to keep their heart pure (on which, as they know, their life ultimately depends) are better off than those who are vegetarian, or travel in carriages, and think they are therefore superior to everyone else. To these people death has entered through the window of their pride. Grant me the serenity— that comes from placing the different parts of my being under your harmonizing sway. Today may I grow in balance. SEPTEMBER”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“Now robed in stillness in this quiet place, emptied of all I was, I bring all that I am your gift of shepherding to use and bless. Cuthbert’s Prayer, St. Aidan’s Chapel, Bradford Cathedral”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“God of life, you summon the day to dawn and call me to create with you. You are the Rock from which all earth is fashioned. You are the Food from which all souls are fed. You are the Force from which all power lines travel. You are the Source who is creation’s fountainhead. You are the Heart from which all hearts are beating. You are the Mind from which come thoughts and dreams. You are the Eye from which comes all my seeing. You are the Gift from whom all mercy streams. You are the Ache from which comes all my longing. You are the Pain in which I bear my grief. You are the Wind by which all souls go winging. You are the One from whom flows all my life.”
― Ray Simpson, Celtic Prayers for the Rhythm of Each Day

“Never give up. Never, never give up. Never, never, never give up. the entire speech Winston Churchill gave at a school prize–giving”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“Sacred Three, you are community. Lead us to those with whom you wish us to make community. Teach us to be true to the deepest things in ourselves, which will form natural bonds with the deepest things in others.”
― Ray Simpson, 40 Prayers from Celtic Christianity

“Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to labor and not to ask for any reward except that of knowing that we do your will. Ignatius Loyola”
― Ray Simpson, The Celtic Book of Days: Ancient Wisdom for Each Day of the Year from the Celtic Followers of Christ

“Prayer shaped their consciousness, so that they became ever more aware that the Kingdom of Heaven is a constant and present reality, hidden within the veil of everyday life.”
― Ray Simpson, Celtic Prayers for the Rhythm of Each Day