Brendan's Mountain Prayer

We are (still) learning to trust. Can you believe it? :) 

Brendan was a monk in 5th century Ireland who felt compelled to leave the shores of familiarity in a small boat without rudder or oar, entrusting himself to the currents of God to take him wherever he wanted him to go. Historical accounts of his journey show him traveling to the likely locations of Iceland, Greenland, and even North America - then back again. Before he set off on his journey, he ascended a nearby mountain (which we have seen), and fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights. This was what he prayed:

Shall I abandon the comforts and benefits of my home,

Seeking the island of promise our Father’s knew long ago,

Sail on the face of the deep where no riches or fame

Or weapons protect you, and nobody honors your name?

Shall I take leave of my friends

And my beautiful native land,

Tears in my eyes

as my knees mark my final prayer in the sand?

King of the mysteries, will You set watch over me?

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You on the sea?

Christ of the heavens,

and Christ of the ravenous ocean wave,

I will hold fast to my course

through the dangers I must brave.

King of the mysteries, angels will watch over me,

Christ of the mysteries, when I trust You on the sea.

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You on the sea?

Brendan’s example speaks to us each:

Have I the courage to leave the familiar

and journey into the unknown?

to journey beyond the way I have prayed,

the life I have lived, the sensible and the secure?

to trust God to take me beyond these familiar shores?

This last week there have been small oceans to cross in our lives, but God has been faithful to carry us through. This present week we are learning of and experiencing the outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Pray that we receive all He has for us, as we pray that you receive all He has for you.


Love,
J and C