Recently while in Scotland, my friend Nissa and I wandered through the Inverness Cathedral. We both discussed how much we love to visit an older church, and the way that experience makes you feel. While quietly exploring, I came across a space where you could light a candle in honor of a loved one. At the kneeling bench in front of this space, I found the following Gaelic Blessing:
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ, of Christ
Of Christ, the light of the world to you
Deep peace of Christ to you
Seemingly best known through the choral composition by John Rutter in the 1970s, credit for his inspiration is attributed to an "old Gaelic rune" thought to be penned by William Sharp in the late 1800s. Inverness Cathedral recommended this space and these words "to help you spend some time in the stillness and peace of this place, for desired healing for a friend or family member, if you wish to pray for others, if you are grieving, if you are thankful, if you are troubled."
For whatever you face today, I hope these words give you a moment of deep solitude. Light a candle today for those you hold in your heart. Deep peace of Christ to you.
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