I seem to be finding many who are suffering from abuse of one kind or another these days. I wrote this after speaking with one friend today.

The soul bruises also
Deep within
Where sunset purples and yellows are never seen
But arise
In broken speech,
Tears,
Fearful hiding,
Shallow hardness,
And a darkened silence.
Hope does not spring up well on crutches.
Trust is a poor and fragile thing
When glued back together with blind eyes
Like a shattered lamp of clay.
Love cannot dance to the limping rhythms
Of a cowering heart.
Take care with your words, take care.
Make care by your actions, make care.
You are not free to bruise
Someone's soul.

Here is a prayer for the warmth of fire light I have written. It is really meant for a winter's bonfire or the lighting of a candles among friends. It seems especially appropriate on this, the Feast of St. Bridgit, who was known to always keep her fire going in hospitality. It also seems appropriate in this time of less peaceful fires broiling in Egypt and many other places as well.


Bless, O God, the fire bright
As you blessed creation's light.
Bless, O God, this circle of love
As you bless the circle of life.
Bless, O God, this very place
As you have blessed the world.
Bless, O God, each living soul among us
As you have blessed each soul that lives.

We come this night to the Father's great light.
We come this night to the Son's warm glow.
We come this night to the Spirit's flamed dance.
We come this night to God.

May we take this flame of yours from this place
May it glow and grow in our hearts
That we may serve you and illumine the world.

May I be a doorway to heaven
For my loved ones and all.
A doorway to heaven be.
May your flame glow and grow in my heart
To build me a doorway for heaven.

May the darkness of this night, O Christ,
Be the peace in my soul this night.
May the light of this fire this night, O Christ,
Be the hope of my heart this night.
May the dance of the fire this night, O Christ,
Be the joy of my life this night.
May the warmth of the heat this night, O Christ,
Be my comfort in your this night.
May the glow on the faces this night, O Christ,
Be the sign of your presence this night.
May the peace of this night, O Christ,
Be my peace and the peace of the world this night.
May the peace of this night, O Christ,
Be the peace of all peace in the world this night.