Brigid’s Day Blessings For All

Never forget these commands that I am giving you today … write them on your door posts and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6,9

St Brigid’s Day falls on the day of Imbolc, the Celtic season that marks the coming of light after the dark days of winter, the time of the suckling of the ewes.

On St Brigid’s Day each year a cross is blessed and placed in homes and outhouses as an extended prayer – to repel the dark powers of evil and hunger that may have got a hold during the winter, and to invite in the light and provision of God. This custom stems from the account of how Brigid nursed and witnessed to a pagan chief. To help make the Gospel clear to him she made a cross from the rush matting, and he subsequently became a Christian. Those who observe this custom take rush crosses to their homes, and to outhouses and places that were not used much in winter but which will be needed in the warmer days of the growing season. Perhaps, in your life, a greenhouse or shed, a week-end caravan or boat, a business or sporting location will soon come back into use. Why not, physically or in your mind, bless these places? Indeed, why not look ahead and make sure that there will be no ‘no-go’ areas for God in your life? Here are some prayers to use in any of these places:

Dear Lord, may all that is here reflect the harmony and
Wholeness that you want for your creation.
Bless the moon that is above us
The earth that is beneath us
May the pets be happy and healthy.
Bless the hard work to be done here
The seedlings that shall grow here
The neighbours we shall greet here
And all who overlook here.

Circle this place by day and by night
Keep far from it all that harms
Bring to it all that is good
May this place be fragrant with the presence of the Lord
God’s peace be always here
And in those who dwell here.