The Mary Christopher Podcast

Celtic Prayers for the Week Beginning June 21 2026
 
Sunday, June 21 is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere when the northern axis of the Earth is tilted toward the Sun.  During Summer, our hemisphere is exposed to the direct rays of the Sun, making it our major growing season for fruits, grains, and vegetables.
 
Before the Roman invasion, the ancient Celtic people celebrated the Summer Solstice as a sacred fire festival.  It was referred to in Gaelic as grianstad (meaning "sun stop") and focused primarily on agriculture, protection, and fertility.  Hilltop fires known as Balefires, were the center of solstice celebrations.  The fires were lit at sunset on the eve of the solstice and kept burning until the next day’s sunset.  Ash and embers from the sacred fires were scattered across farming fields to bless the soil and hopefully guarantee a bountiful harvest.  The ashes also helped restore nutrients to fields.  The Celts understood their survival depended on their ability to live in harmony with Mother Nature. 
 
Many famous megalithic structures, like Stonehenge or Newgrange, were actually built by older Neolithic societies thousands of years before the Celts arrived.  The Celtic tribes recognized their solar alignments, and reused these ancient stone circles for feasting, storytelling, music, and tribal weddings. 
 
~ Celtic Morning Prayer ~
 
I arise today, through the Strength of Heaven:
 
Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon,
 
Splendour of Fire, Speed of Lightning,
 
Swiftness of Wind,  Depth of Sea,
 
Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock!
 
~ Evening Prayer ~
 
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 Infinite Peace to you.

In May 2015, Peter Wohlleben, a German forester, published The Hidden Life of Trees.  I have always loved Trees, so I got the book and read it at night before falling asleep.  I was fascinated by his discoveries about the unseen and amazing lives of Trees.  Reading that book confirmed my sense of wonder about Trees and Forests and Soil.  Eleven years later, we know even more about our amazing world of Tree communities and Fungi and Root systems and so much more.  Trees are intricate, highly functional, and support all our lives!  Where would we be without the goodness of Trees ?
As we learn more about the extraordinary nature of Creation, it is easier for us to understand the Celtic tradition that all Creation is Sacred.  Based on their prayers and traditions, Celtic people experienced Creation as an inherent and continual expression of the Creator.  Even though their daily lives were often very challenging, Creation was their treasure of food, remedies, life lessons, beauty, and humor, all from the gracious bounty of our Creator.  Their faith was rooted in their experience of the natural world as a living sanctuary where the divine is deeply and eternally present.
 
~ Celtic Morning Prayer ~
 
“You are above me, O God
You are beneath.
 You are in Air. 
You are in Earth.
You are in water.
You are in Fire.
 You are here beside me.
 You are within.
  O God of heaven, you have made your home on earth
 in the body of Creation.  
This day, kindle within me a love for you in all things.” 
~ Celtic Evening Prayer ~
 
Come to us this night, O God,
Come to us with light.
Let the tools be stored away, 
let the work be over and done.
We light a light in the name of the Maker,
Who lit the world and breathed the breath of life for us.
We light a light in the name of the Son,
Who saved the world 
and stretched out his hand to us. 

Does it seem to you that the noise level in the human world is getting louder and crazier?  All day, we are exposed to a barrage of frequencies like 4G, 5G, and soon we will have 6G as well!  Are these “frequencies” healthy for us, or are they more like static?  More and more, we are hearing that we need to turn off our cell phones and laptops at night, and even when we aren’t using them.  Is it possible that our brain, as well as our entire nervous system, is being overwhelmed with all this noise?  Do you often feel restless during the day, or have difficulty falling asleep at night?  Many people do, and some symptoms may be related to all these incoherent vibes.
 
Meanwhile, back at the farm, grass is growing.  Birds are singing, creeks are flowing, and the Sun is shining.  In city parks, around the world, some very aware people are having lunch beneath lovely trees.  They are breathing fresh Oxygen, and feeling a gentle breeze.  They are soaking up Sunshine which has numerous health benefits, as well as being a “natural antidepressant”!  Sitting with Trees is also known as “forest bathing” and has been studied for many years.  The benefits for Humans are amazing and well-documented!  If you are having a difficult week, find a Tree!
 
~ Celtic Morning Prayer ~
 
I arise today, through the Strength of Heaven:
 
Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon,
 
Splendour of Fire, Speed of Lightning,
 
Swiftness of Wind,  Depth of Sea,
 
Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock!
~ Celtic Evening Prayer ~
 
Christ above me, Christ below me,
Christ before me, Christ behind me, 
Christ within me,
 
Christ be on my right, Christ be on my left,
Christ when I sit down, Christ when I lie down, 
Christ when I arise,
 
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me.
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.
Christ in every eye that sees me.
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Have you ever wondered why repetitive prayers or verses are often used as “spiritual practices”?  It is all about neurons and where we focus.  Our entire nervous system processes millions of bits of information every day.  One of the main functions of our “consciousness” is choosing where we will focus our attention.  If we choose to focus on what we consider “ugly” or “bad” in our surroundings, we are signalling our system to pay more attention to precisely that during the day.  Choosing any kind of negative focus will usually move us toward depression.  However …
 
If we actively focus our attention on whatever is good or beautiful in our world or on what is working, our internal system will look for more of that.  We are continually training our attention, indicating where to focus.  Where we focus affects the way our neurons connect.   When we use repetitive prayer or songs or mantras of gratitude or joy or praise, we are reinforcing a specific uplifting awareness.   This is especially true if we focus on Gratitude, or Loving-Kindness, or the Beauty of Creation.
 
~ Celtic Morning Prayer ~
 
Grant, O God, Thy Protection;And in Protection, Strength;And in Strength, Understanding;And in Understanding, Perception of Justice;And in the Perception of Justice, the Love of it;And in that Love, the Love of All Life;And in the Love of All Life, to Love God, God and all goodness;And to Care for this Creation that nourishes and sustains us;
And, Jesu the Christ, Bearer of our Humanity.
 
~ Evening Prayer ~
 
Blessing of the Guardian Angel
 
O Being of Brightness, Friend of Light, 
From the Blessed Realms of Grace, 
Gently encircle me, sweetly enclosing me, 
Guarding my soul-shrine from harm this day/night.
 
Keep me from anguish, 
Keep me from danger, 
Encircle my voyage over the seas. 
A Light will you send me, 
To keep and defend me, 
O Beautiful Being, O Guardian this day/night.
 
Be a Guiding Star above me, 
Illuminate each rock and tide, 
Guide my ship across the waters, 
To the waveless harborside.
 

In Honor of Mother’s Day, for all Mothers, Everywhere
I grew up in SW Oklahoma.  We raised cattle and horses and sometimes chickens.  We lived the cycle of Nature year round.  We planted wheat and oats in late October.  Depending on the weather, we could harvest truckloads of wheat and oats during the summer.  It was an amazing bounty.  The lesson I learned was this.  If we pay attention and work with Creation, we would do well, even during difficult times.
One of the great blessings of farming is experiencing the rhythms and magic of Creation.  Even now, I am reminded every morning that Creation is the constant expression of a Creator who is more than we can even begin to imagine.  We are continually blessed and nurtured by all of Creation.  Creation expresses Divine Harmony, Beauty, and Bounty, even if we forget.  When the world of humans seems to be teetering on the brink, remember that all of us belong.  We are all blessed by Creation, every day.  Creation nurtures, heals, and sustains us all day and all night, with every breath we take.
~ Morning Prayers ~
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.
 
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
 
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the New Day.
 
~ Celtic Evening Prayer ~
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.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you, 
All through this night.
 
(Morning Has Broken, copyright ~ Cat Stevens)
 

“All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.  We are the ones we have been waiting for.”  The Hopi Elders, Oraibi, Arizona, Hopi Nation  March 17, 2011 (Full Hopi Prophecy trans. Elder Dan Evehema)
Whenever I read, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”  I remember sitting with 2 of the Hopi Elders in Santa Fe and in Hopi.  It was a rare privilege that I shared with several other good friends, and thanks to my teacher, Beth Hin.  I do not remember the Elders exact words, but I do remember their peacefulness.  Their presence felt unshakeable!  I felt as if I had stepped into another world, which I had.
Hopi is a sovereign nation in northeastern Arizona. The reservation is in part of Coconino and Navajo counties, encompassing more than 1.5 million acres.  It is made up of 12 villages on three mesas. I visited Hopi several times when I lived in Santa Fe and felt a deep respect for their culture.  The name "Hopi" comes from Hopituh Shi-nu-mu, which translates to "The Peaceful People" or "Peace-filled People"
For me, the Hopi and the Celtic spiritual traditions seem very much aligned.  We have greater access to the Celtic traditions, and our language has the same basic roots.  When I think of the Hopi traditions and the meaning of Celtic prayers and blessings, they seem to resonate.  The Hopi, like the Celtic people, care deeply for the Earth.  We are blessed and strengthened by these 2 deeply rooted traditions, existing thousands of miles apart!
The Hopi Prophecy translated from Hopi
by Elder Chief Dan Evehema
 
This is The Hour…
“You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.
And there are things to be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships? Are you in right relation?
Where is your water? Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community. Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river
Keep our eyes open and our heads above the water.
See who is in there with you
And celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.
Least of all, ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
 
~ The Elders / Oraibi, Arizona / Hopi Nation 

When the world is just way too much, what can we do?  So, this is what I did Saturday morning.  I sat on the front porch and watched the Birds as they came to feed.  We have 2 feeders in the front yard, and the Birds were busy.  They took turns, zipping in and out, eating a few seeds, then flying into the trees.  Some Sparrows were landing in the grass, hunting for Bugs!  There was constant activity, but it was peaceful activity.  Beautiful Birds, effortlessly flying from feeders to Trees and back again.
 
As I watched all this activity, I noticed my heart rate began to slow, and my breathing was deeper and easier.  After a while, I realized I really did not want to turn on my computer and “catch up” on the news.   I needed to do my morning writing, so I decided to write a few pages by hand.  Then, I gave myself permission “not to catch up” on the news!  What a relief!  I spent at least 30 minutes having toast and tea with Sparrows, Cardinals, Squirrels, and a Gorgeous Sunrise!  I did my writing, then went to the Farmer’s Market.  Watching Creation is a wonderful way to start the day!
 
~ Morning Prayer ~
 
I arise today, through the Strength of Heaven:
 
Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon,
 
Splendour of Fire, Speed of Lightening,
 
Swiftness of Wind, Depth of Sea,
 
Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock.
~ Evening Prayer ~
 
Blessing of the Three
 
The Sacred Three
My Fortress Be
Encircling Me.
Come and be round,
My hearth, my home.
 
Fend thou my kin
And every sleeping thing within
From scathe, from sin.
Thy care, our peace
Through mid of night
To light’s release.

Celtic Daily Prayers for Easter Week April 2026
 
Christ Is the Light ~ Christ is the Consciousness that permeates and sustains all Creation, all day and all night, always.
 
Christ is the Presence that heals.  Christ is the Presence that can transform sorrow and grief into a peaceful heart.  Christ belongs to all Creation, shining through every Sunrise, in every Ocean breeze, in the Heart of every Mountain, and deep within the noise of human existence.
 
When we have lost hope, or try to distract ourselves from the madness of the world at war, Christ is Present.  Christ belongs to Everyone and links us to each other through our Hearts.  We are the World.  We are the Whole Family.  This is how Jesus walked thru the world, always recognizing the Light within each person, his Heart always available.  Being that Present and available is challenging and not easy, but always possible.  Being that Present is not easy, but always possible, always.  This is the Way of Christ.
 ~ Morning Prayer ~
 
Deep peace of the empty tomb. 
Deep peace of the morning garden. 
The eye of the Risen Christ be upon us
 in waking and sleeping. 
The Risen Christ beside us always. 
The Risen Christ within us always. 
The Risen Christ go with us, this day and always.
~ Evening Prayer ~
 
Christ, the light to illumine and guide me. 
Christ, a shield to overshadow and protect me. 
Christ be under me.  Christ be over me. 
Christ beside me on my left and my right. 
This night be the Light within me and all around me. 
This night be the Light that guards and heals me.
This night be all around my house and home,
Be with those I know and love.
Be with all Creatures who share our lives.
Be in the hearts of friends and neighbors.
Be with those who now rest with you in heaven. 
Through this night be within me and all around me. 
Christ as Light. 
Christ as my shield. 
Christ be always with me.
Christ, the Light of the World.