I Arise Today
Dear School of the Spirit Alumni,
Oh, sweet heavenly hosts of heaven, what uncertainty is before us! That’s a pretty way of saying, “Oh crap! What now?! I’m scared!” We are confronted again with the reality that we do not know, or completely control, what the future holds. This truth is scary when we come face-to-face with it like we are having to do right now. And yet, we know we are in God’s heart and God’s hands, every moment, every day. It is Christ, our strength and redeemer, who holds us and the future.
As you learn, on the fly, how to pastor churches from a distance, know that your School of the Spirit Team is praying with and for you. As you learn, on the fly, how to host services online, make phone calls to check on others, and risk exposure to make sure people have food, medicine, and safe shelter, know that heaven rejoices in the love you are pouring out.
Heaven, also, desires to replenish the love and energy you pour out for family, friends, neighbors, and church. You are invited to take the time you need to replenish your soul in the midst of crisis.
“Therefore, the Lord God, the holy one of Israel, says:
In return and rest you will be saved; quietness and trust will be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15 CEB
You are invited to return and rest in God as often as you can. We hope the practices you learned from SOS are extremely helpful to you in this moment. If you need a refresher or conversation partner in them, do not hesitate to reach out to me! I am available to support you, as together, we share Christ and His love in the face of this pandemic.
The prayer put into song, "I Arise Today," keeps replaying in my mind. I am praying this each morning and I have prayed it for you, too. Below, you will find a link if you would like to listen, as well.
We pray for each of you, blessings of health, courage, and love. In this time of social/physical distancing, may moments of quietness and trust be our strength.
Ashley Pickerel Thomas
School of the Spirit Missioner
704-408-4248
ashleygpthomas@icloud.com
Creating space for God to strengthen souls and nurture growth toward wholeness in Christ for the sake of others.
I arise today, through the strength of heaven;
light of sun, radiance of moon,
splendor of fire, speed of lightning,
swiftness of wind, depth of the sea,
stability of earth, firmness of rock.
I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s eye to look before me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
from all who shall wish me ill, afar and a-near
alone and in a multitude.
Against every cruel merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me.
Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
I arise today.
NOTE | The lyrics are taken from Kuno Meyo’s translation of the 8th century anonymous poem sometimes, but apparently incorrectly attributed to Saint Patrick and alternatively entitled ST PATRICKS BREASTPLATE and THE DEER’S CRY. The opening words in the original Irish ‘atom-riung’ translated here as “I arise” have also been translated as “I gird myself”. This prayer poem served as a prayer for protection against the perils faced by medieval travelers.
Album: The pilgrim. A Celtic suite for orchestra, soloists, Pipe band and choir. [music by Shaun Davey, Tara CD, Dublin, 1994]
