photo via creative commons by Riccardo Cuppini

The Carmina Gadelica is a collection of prayers, poems, songs, and blessings collected in the Gaelic speaking regions of Scotland from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century. The collector, Alexander Carmichael, translated these things into English. These collections were the everyday recitations of the people. There are many inspirational bits and pieces, and I thought this week I'd share some.

I will kindle my fire this morning
In presence of the holy angels of heaven,
In presence of Ariel of the loveliest form,
In the presence of Uriel of the myriad charms,
Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,
Without fear, without terror of any one under the sun,
But the Holy Son of God to shield me.
Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,
Without fear, without terror of any one under the sun,
But the Holy Son of God to shield me.

God kindle Thou in my heart within
A flame of love to my neighbour,
To my foe, to my firend, to my kindred all,
To the brave, to the knave, to the thrall,
O Son of the loveliest Mary,
From the lowliest thing that liveth,
To the Name that is highest of all.
O Son of the loveliest Mary,
From the lowliest thing that liveth,
To the Name that is highest of all.