Sage Sayings #11: St. Columba

· Sage Sayings,Prayer

Last summer, I was privileged to visit the remote, mysterious island of Iona, Scotland, which is known for its Abbey. What a place! It is a memorable and moving site and is still a functioning religious community. Iona Abbey was established in the 6th century by Columba (of Ireland) and was the launching place for Christianity's spread through Scotland and northern England.

This prayer, attributed to St. Columba, is a call to us to trust that the God who led and preserved him in that rugged wilderness, is our guide today.

Be Thou a bright flame before me,

Be Thou a guiding star above me,

Be Thou a smooth path before me,

Be Thou a kindly shepherd behind me,

Today…tonight…and forever.

Alone with none but You my God,

I journey on my way.

What need I fear

When You are near,

O Lord of night and day.

More secure am I within Your hand

than if a multitude did 'round me stand.

~ Amen

St. Columba - Founder of Iona Abbey (Scotland) - 6th century

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If you'd like to make your own collection of Sage Sayings, I'm posting printable versions on my Resources. Print them out - post them on a clipboard, or slap them into your journal, or stick them in a card, or frame them to display. Simple words can stir our hearts!

NOTE: for more info about the Sage Sayings series, see the blog post from February 6, 2017.

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