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From Volume 9, Number 4, Spring 2003 Litany of the Ten Elements The following litany can be used for the prayers of the people in a celebration of Holy Communion. The saints chosen may be changed to suit local circumstance, though the lines referring to the particular saint should be re-written to specify the saint’s connection with the Element of the Aidan Way. The parts in bold italics are read by all.
The Litany of the Ten Elements Study— Ciaran Implant your Word in our hearts, that we may move deeper into your love. Embed your Word in our minds, that we think your thoughts. Increase our hunger to know you in the lives and the words of your people, that we may be formed in the image of Christ. As Ciaran formed a community of knowledge that drew the princes of the barbarian peoples, may we become a people of enlightened minds that those lost in darkness may find your light Soul-Friending — Brigit Deliver us, O Lord, from soul-limiting self-sufficiency. Open our hearts to those who You appoint as our companions on our way. Create in our hearts a place of hospitality that we may share Your joy with others, and receive their blessing in return. As Brigit warned that “a man without a soul friend is like a body without a head,” may we be a people of companionship in an isolated and alienated world Rhythm — Cuthbert Lord, we are a people bent out of shape. The yoke of our self-appointed burdens chafe our shoulders and wound our souls. We have filled every moment of our time with those things that starve our hearts. Restore in us the balance of work, prayer and rest. As Cuthbert moved in easy rhythm between seasons of solitude and seasons of community, may we recapture the heart of the Sabbath rest which renews and reenergizes us. Intercession — Aidan God of all the earth, manifest your love of all humankind in us. Move our hearts with compassion and pity, that we might storm the gates of heaven, crying mercy for a world lost in illusion, in greed, in war and death. Deliver us from praying our own agenda to seek your best for all. As Aidan cried out for you to behold the evil we do and the winds of deliverance blew, may we cry out with the knowledge of our empty hands, that the fullness of your glory may reign in our world. Simplicity - Chad Father, free us from the demand to build empires to our own glory. Remind us that “the one who dies with the most toys — still dies” without your grace. Grant us grace to always count others better than ourselves. As Chad refused to stand upon his rights as a bishop but submitted in humility for the welfare of your people, may we set aside the praise of men for the true honor from You for those of a humble heart. Creation - Patrick Lord God of all creation, Your Spirit brooded over the chaos and brought a universe to birth. You rejoiced at each Day of creation, crying out “Good” before the hosts of heaven. You breathed your life into all creatures and breathed Your Spirit into us that heaven and earth might find their marriage in us. As Patrick rejoiced in the creation that defended him against the assaults of spiritual evil, may we treasure our kinship with all creation which finds its liberation with ours in Jesus Christ. Wholeness - Hilda O Triune God, Eternal Three in Eternal Unity, You created us as whole and integrated beings. Deliver us from the fragmentation we have forced upon your church and upon ourselves. You are the God who heals; heal us, therefore, O Lord, and we shall be healed. As Hilda saw the wholeness which is your divine purpose for each of us, may we lay hands of healing on all who are broken by the disorder of sin. Openness - Columba Spirit of God you come to us as a wild wind and a gentle breeze. Spirit of God, you speak to us in tongues of fire and as a still, small voice. Spirit of God, you call us out to venture on the wide ocean of God’s love As Columba followed Your leading to Iona and spoke Christ’s Word with boldness, may we be ever open to speak forth in prophecy and launch ourselves into mighty wind Unity - Ita Lord Jesus Christ, you prayed that we all might be one as You and the Father are One. Grant us grace to act and speak with Your humble heart. Give us a spirit of repentance for the divisions in Your Church As Ita fostered so many of your saints, and spoke in love and truth to each, may we speak to and about one another in the same gentleness, love and truth. Mission - Columbanus Lord Jesus, you sought us out in the ordinary places of our lives; You visited the respectable and disreputable to win them to Your Father. Remove our fear of walking into uncomfortable places; give us passion to seek the lost. As Columbanus spoke fearlessly to the powerful and gently to the weak, may we make authentic connections to those among whom God sends us For my shield this day I call: |