" . . . "

As you may have noticed, I like to find (and, obviously, read) quotes from other people.  They can be famous or anonymous, serious or funny.  But I like it when they are in some way thought provoking, when I’m challenged in some way, or when they cause me to have a ‘light bulb’ moment.

I entered the following passage from what is known as The Prayer of St. Patrick into the Notes section of my iPhone after my mom had heart surgery (as found in a devotional reading in my Bible):

I arise today

Through a mighty strength:

God’s power to guide me,

God’s might to uphold me,

God’s wisdom to teach me,

God’s eyes to watch over me,

God’s ear to hear me,

God’s Word to give me speech,

God’s hand to guard me,

God’s way to lie before me,

God’s shield to shelter me,

God’s host to secure me:

Against the snares of devils,

Against the seduction of vices,

Against the lusts of nature,

Against everyone who shall wish me ill,

Whether far or near, many or few.

I find something (and I can’t quite put my finger on it) about reading the words, the thoughts and the prayers of fellow believers who have gone on long before me.  The commonality of our questions and musings, the insights and understandings they gleaned can be as relevant today as they were back then.  As always, such things need to be checked against the standard of God’s Word.  But they shouldn’t be tossed out merely because they are old or because, for some, they’re mindless recitations devoid of life or meaning or power. 

That’s just my two cents on a little something. ツ