The Celtic Book of Days Quotes

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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