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Overview
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is often called "the holiest place in England" because of all the saints who have lived there. St. Aidan and St. Cuthbert, two popular Celtic saints, are buried there. For more than 1,300 years pilgrims have made their way to this island, which now hosts half a million visitors a year. A Holy Island Prayer Book, with prayers for morning, midday, and night, follows the rhythms and seasons of the natural and Christian year as observed on Holy Island.
More contemplative than the earthy spirituality of communities such as Iona, each day of the week has a special theme:
Sunday: Resurrection and renewal
Monday: Creation
Tuesday: incarnation and peace
Wednesday: The Holy Spirit in mission and healing
Thursday: Community and unity
Friday: With broken people at the Cross
Saturday: Leisure (morning) and the Saints (night)
A Holy Island Prayer Book includes prayers by popular author David Adam, and is the perfect companion for anyone who has visited Holy Island, or those who are there in spirit.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780819225603 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Morehouse Publishing |
| Publication date: | 11/01/2002 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 192 |
| File size: | 952 KB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
A Holy Island Prayer Book
Morning, Midday and Evening Prayer
By Ray Simpson, Denise Adam
Church Publishing, Inc.
Copyright © 2002 Ray SimpsonAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-8192-2560-3
CHAPTER 1
Sunday
New Life
Sunday: New Life
New Life is the theme of our Sunday prayers because it is the first day of the week, when Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, rose from the dead. The Christian Faith is about nature, individuals and communities dying and rising again in Christ.
Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the Jewish week. That week was based on the sabbath, reflecting the belief that God created the world in six days and then rested on the sabbath. For Christians, therefore, Jesus' resurrection on the day after the sabbath became 'the eighth day', the beginning of a new creation, the inauguration of a time of special purpose which would culminate in the return of Christ to complete the transformation of the universe.
Early Christians, such as John on Patmos Island (Revelation 1:10), spoke of the first day of the week as 'the Lord's Day'. The fourth-century founder of a Christian community at Edessa explained that Christians gathered together on the first day of the week 'because on that day Christ rose from the dead, and it will be again on that day that he will appear to us at the end.' That is why some Christians turn to face east (where Christ rose from the dead and whence he will come again) when they say the Christian creeds.
Sunday is also a day of light. In the pagan Roman Empire the first day of the week was known as Sun's Day. In the second century Justin, the great Christian teacher and martyr, explained to the Emperor Constantine that Christians met on this day because it was on Sun's Day that Jesus appeared to his friends after his death. Constantine was a worshipper of 'the Unconquered Sun', which he believed to be the protector of his empire, but he also had a vision of the Cross of Christ in the sky. He decreed that Sunday should be a special day of rest and recreation for soldiers and law officers.
The linking of Christ with the sun comes from biblical, early Christian and Celtic insights and is at the heart of Holy Island spirituality. The Old Testament prophet Malachi referred to the coming Messiah as 'the sun of justice who would rise with healing in his rays' (Malachi 4:2). A third-century mosaic at St Peter's Necropolis, Rome, depicts Christ as Helios, the sun god, driving his chariot into heaven. The Lindisfarne monks may have told the story of St Patrick lighting the Easter fire in Ireland to celebrate the rising from death of Christ, whom he called 'the true Sun'.
Early in the morning of 1 January 2000 the road from the harbour to the castle on Holy Island was crowded with visitors looking east, waiting for the sun's rising. Among them was a lady dying of cancer. She explained, 'I was determined to live long enough to see the sun rise on Holy Island on the first day of the millennium.' That morning the sun leapt across the sea to bathe us in glory.
Lindisfarne is an island of light, for the sea all around it reflects back and magnifies the sun's light. On this island we see every sunrise as a sacrament. The island is also a parable of decay and new life, death and resurrection. For although there have been periods of invasion, pillage and neglect, there have also been periods of renewal and resurrection. To celebrate the third millennium of Christ, pilgrims and members of all of Holy Island's churches took part in a fifty-event festival entitled 'Saints Uprising'.
The light still shines in the darkness. The life of Christ is always stronger than death.
Week 1: Morning
Rejoice all spirits! The ascending sun shines alike on the living and the dead. As the true Helios, Christ climbed the heights of heaven. Christ the Sun of suns, risen from the wintry ground of death, now scatters the darkness from our path. Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendour, Radiant in the brightness of your King! Christ has conquered death! Glory fills you! Darkness vanishes for ever! Alleluia! Exult in glory! The risen Saviour shines upon you! Alleluia!
God, renew me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet.
Amen.
Psalm 81 John 11:17–27
The glorious gold-bright sun was rising on the crests of the great hills, and it was changing colour – green, purple, red, blood-red, intense white, and gold-white, like the glory of the God of the elements to the children of men. It was dancing up and down in exultation at the joyous resurrection of the beloved Saviour of victory.
Carmina Gadelica
Risen Christ we welcome you. You are the flowering bough of creation; From you cascades music like a million stars, Truth to cleanse a myriad souls. From you flee demons, omens and all ill will; Around you rejoice the angels of light.
The Community of Aidan and Hilda
Christ of the Easter rising Hope is one of your best gifts to us So teach us to give it to others.
A prayer from Brazil
* * *
Week 1: Midday reflection at St Cuthbert's Centre
Lindisfarne was described as 'the holiest place in England' by Alcuin, Advisor to Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor. A king of England decreed that it should be officially known as Holy Island because so many pilgrims thronged to its shrine of St Cuthbert. In recent years St Cuthbert's United Reformed Church has been transformed into an attractive Visitors' Centre. Those who complete the sixty-mile St Cuthbert's Way walk from Melrose to Lindisfarne officially finish it there, sitting outside on a specially sculptured seat which includes a representation of St Cuthbert's staff in wrought iron.
Lindisfarne has also been called Cradle Island, for here Christianity was cradled for the English-speaking people, and is still being cradled. Pilgrims and tourists visit it to find the peace of God or spiritual direction for their lives.
A friend of mine decided to ride on horseback across the sands with the woman he loved, go down on his knees in the churchyard, propose marriage to her and then return to the mainland. The proposal went to plan, but when the time came to make the return journey, they found that the tide had turned. 'Don't worry, the horses can swim,' they were told. As they returned through the rising waters their elation was mixed with terror.
This is an island full of proposals – God's proposals. So can our lives be. But be warned: the excitement of clinching something with God is often followed by immersion in the waters of difficulty.
Job 19:23–27
Dear Father God I have voyaged to this place and here I pause. My life so far has brought me here. My future stretches farther than the eye can see. If thus far my journey you have shared, accompany me now. Give wisdom, light, and always joy so that in my thought and gift and love my life shall be to fellow travellers a witness to your presence in the world. Amen.
Ian Fosten
* * *
Week 1: Evening
This night, O Victor over death: Raise me from the death of denial Raise me from the death of fear Raise me from the death of despair.
This night, O Victor over death: Wake me to the eternal 'Yes' Wake me to the rays of Hope Wake me to the light of Dawn.
Psalm 30 John 20:1–10
Risen Christ, watch over us this night And keep us in the light of your presence. May our praise continually blend With the song of all creation.
Great God, as you brought Christ safely through the night of sin and death to his rising at dawn so bring us through this night that we may offer you our lives afresh at dawn.
* * *
Week 2: Morning
I arise today through the strength of Christ's birth and baptism. I arise today through the strength of Christ's crucifixion and burial. I arise today through the strength of his resurrection and ascension. I arise today in the brightness of sun I arise today in the splendour of fire I arise today in the speed of lightning.
Based on St Patrick's Breastplate
Psalm 33 2 Corinthians 4:13–18
Gratitude for the sun: blinding pulsing light through trunks of trees, through mists, through walls warming caves and corridors
– he who wakes us – in our minds so be it.
Based on a Mohawk prayer
Life of Jesus, Sun of suns, filling every part of us Life be in our speech Sense in what we say The bloom of cherries on our lips Till you come back again.
Love of Jesus, Sun of suns, filling every heart for us Give us love in what we do Filling us for everyone. Traversing sea and road and field Rays of Jesus be our shield.
Based on an early Celtic prayer
May this be a day of resurrection and refreshment for families and single people, for traders and communities.
May our homes be places of hospitality and hope, that we may know your risen presence as we share ourselves and enjoy the company of others.
May our churches worship in a way that brings honour to you, joy to the people, and healing to the land.
* * *
Week 2: Midday reflection on the Heugh
From the Heugh, the hill between the priory and the shore, one can look across to Bamburgh and beyond towards the Lammermuir Hills.
At Bamburgh Aidan died, some say of a broken heart, for the Christ-like king who had made possible Aidan's mission had been cruelly killed in battle, and perhaps Aidan feared that his life's work had been a failure.
That night was black, yet stars shone brightly. In the Lammermuir Hills a young man keeping sheep sat bolt upright. The sky was alive with light and movement. Were they shooting stars? Or were those lights, shaped like angels, bearing a holy soul to glory?
The young man was Cuthbert. Next day he learned that the holy soul being borne aloft was Aidan of Lindisfarne. He decided he would leave behind his silken clothes, his horse and servant and sword, and offer himself to God's service for the rest of his life.
Thus from despair came hope; from death came life. Under Cuthbert's leadership the mission would go from strength to strength. That pattern can be ours too – for it is in dying that we live.
2 Corinthians 4:7–12
Renew us, O Risen Christ, in the midst of the day. In doubt bring faith In disillusion bring hope In indifference bring mercy In expediency bring ideals In the staleness of routine bring stirrings of life.
* * *
Week 2: Evening
We lie down in peace knowing our sins are forgiven; We lie down in peace knowing death has no fear. We lie down in peace knowing no powers can harm us; We lie down in peace knowing angels are near.
Psalm 118:15–24 John 20:11–18
Risen Christ of the apostles, Bring renewal to the church, to ordained ministries and religious orders. Raise up new callings and communities which meet the need of our times.
Risen Christ of the scars, who spoke peace to your desolate disciples, Speak peace this night to your desolate ones.
Risen Christ of the lake-side, who nourished and inspired your disciples, Inspire us and our loved ones to rest this night in your presence.
The eye of the Risen Christ be upon us as we sleep The eye of affection and mercy The eye of joy and gladness Bringing to dawn our wholeness.
* * *
Week 3: Morning
Shine on us, Lord, like the sun that lights up day. Chase away the dark and all shadow of sin. As day follows night May we be bathed in your glory.
Psalm 66 Isaiah 11:6–9
Christ Jesus, in the light of your risen presence, and in union with your first frail apostles, we say sorry: For not weighing your words, For not sharing your trials, For not believing your promises.
O loving Christ, hanged on a tree yet risen in the morning, Scatter the sin from our souls as the mist from the hills.
Based on a prayer from Iona Abbey
Those whose faces are turned always towards the sun's rising See the living light on its path approaching, As over the glittering sea where in tide's rising and falling The sea beasts bask, on the Isles of Farne. Aidan and Cuthbert saw God's feet walking Each day towards all who on world's shores await his coming. That we too, hand in hand, have received the unending morning.
Kathleen Raine
The God of life go with us The Risen Christ beside us The vibrant Spirit within us.
* * *
Week 3: Midday reflection at Cuddies Beach
Each year Northern Cross pilgrims walk many miles, each group carrying a large wooden cross, and on Good Friday, in bare feet, they cross the sands by the pilgrim posts. The next day Roman Catholics, Anglicans and others gather for vigil in St Mary's Church and then walk in darkness to Cuddies Beach (the beach in front of Cuthbert's Isle). There a fire is lit, as once the risen Christ lit a fire by Galilee's shore, and the Easter candle, symbolizing the risen Christ, Light of the world, is lit from the fire. The song that follows the reading below is sung and the crowd returns to share Holy Communion in the church.
John 21:15–25
Christ as a light illumine and guide me Christ as a shield overshadow me Christ under me Christ over me Christ beside me on my left and my right This day be within and without me Lonely and meek yet all powerful Be in the mouth of each to whom I speak In the mouth of each who speaks to me Christ as a light illumine and guide me.
John Michael Talbot
* * *
Week 3: Evening
Spirit of the Risen Christ, As the lamps light up the evening, Shine into our hearts and kindle in us the fire of your love.
Psalm 126 1 Peter 3:18, 22
This is the night when you saved our forebears delivering the people of Israel from their slavery and leading them dry-shod through the sea. This is the night when Jesus Christ vanquished hell and rose triumphant from the grave. This is the night when all who believe in him are freed from sin and restored to grace and holiness. Most blest of nights, when wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away, lost innocence is regained and mourning turned to joy. Night truly blessed, when heaven is wedded to earth and all creation reconciled to God! Grant that this Easter candle may make our darkness light For Christ the Morning Star has risen and is alive and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
From the Easter Eve Vigil
Risen Christ, you have entered into darkness, despair and death Rising in glory, you accompany all who have to enter into these You give us the cup of life You quench our every thirst You turn hearts of stone into flesh You clothe the peacemakers in raiment of light Live in us now and bring us to our resurrection without end.
* * *
Week 4: Morning
Rising from death, today Christ greets his people Rising with all creation, we greet him as our King.
Glory to you Christ our King Radiant with light The Sun who shines on all the world. Earth exalt! Heaven rejoice! Morning and night give thanks and praise!
Psalm 136:1–3, 23–26 1 Corinthians 15:1–8
St Cuthbert on Holy Island
When last the raging spring storm had abated And the night's dark banners from the East had fled; He swiftly rose, and donned his simple raiment And barefoot left behind his narrow bed.
Heedless of thorn and stone, he sought the seashore And on a rock he sat and watched the sun Rise in the East flooding resurrection. A gull called out, a new day had begun.
Across the calming waters sang the sea-hounds, Mothers calling for their snowy young A shoal of fish swam near the rock he sat on Spinning, spinning silver in the sun.
And one by one he watched the world renewing – A cricket chirped, a bee sought out a flower. He picked a shell strewn careless on the shoreline And marvelled at the Architect's great power.
The sand, each grain, lay perfect in arrangement To leave the imprint of his searching feet, Refreshed and calm he retraced his journey And Oh! the upward climb seemed hard yet sweet.
Who knows this man, what words he used in praying Or what his soul had seen beyond the sea. Perhaps he was out fishing with his Master Or busy storing sweetness like the bee?
L. Smith
Come to us in our pilgrimage of life And bring us to our place of resurrection.
* * *
Week 4: Midday reflection at St Mary's Church
It is thought this church is on the site of the very first wooden church built by Aidan. The little rounded arch high in the main arch between the pulpit and the organ is thought to go back to Saxon times. If so, it is earlier than the ruins of the Benedictine Priory outside.
There is a great deal to see in this ancient and beautiful building, including a facsimile copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels, and carpets in front of the two altars. These are beautifully worked copies of two pages from those Gospels, handmade by women of the island.
The Lindisfarne Gospels were written and illuminated in Lindisfarne's monastery scriptorium in about 724. They contain 258 pages of calf skin sized about 34 by 26 centimetres. They are a prized exhibit in the British Library, London, as well as in digital form at Lindisfarne's Heritage Centre. Yet it was once thought that this treasure was lost for ever.
The monks were taking it to Ireland for safe keeping during Viking invasions in 875 when it was washed overboard in a storm. Simeon of Durham recounts, however, that the monks were divinely inspired to stop off at Whithorn monastery, where someone found it washed up at a very low tide. The colours were intact, nothing was even blurred. They took this as divine guidance that they should not, after all, emigrate to Ireland. It was a kind of resurrection.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from A Holy Island Prayer Book by Ray Simpson, Denise Adam. Copyright © 2002 Ray Simpson. Excerpted by permission of Church Publishing, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
Sunday: New Life
Monday: Creation
Tuesday: Peace
Wednesday: Mission
Thursday: Community
Friday: The Cross
Saturday: Sinners and Saints
About the Community of Aidan and Hilda
Notes
Acknowledgements
Further Resources
What People are Saying About This
"...offers a four-week cycle of readings and prayers taken from the liturgy of the parish church on Holy Island, or Lindisfarne. Simpson, an Anglican priest and retreat leader on the island, presents simple, elegant prayers for each day of the week, including separate prayers for morning, midday and evening. The handy pocket-sized prayer book will appeal to many armchair pilgrims who can't make it to the Northumberland coast."
—Publishers Weekly
"Anyone interested in Celtic Christian Spirituality will be familiar with Fr. Ray Simpson. Simpson, the Guardian of the Community of Aiden and Hilda, and author of numerous other texts that also seek to explore the Celtic tradition, has once again sought to offer us a drink form the well of the Holy Island (Lindisfarne)."
—Fr. Donald P. Richardson, MSSJ, The Anglican Missioner