Rector's Words | saviourtheredeemer

Canon Bahman Kalantari

Christmas Eve: “The Gift and Ripple Effect of Peace”

Tonight, we gather in the stillness of Christmas Eve to celebrate a miraculous event that changed the world: the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. On this holy night, and as we look forward to the joy of Christmas Day, we are reminded of a profound truth—peace begins within. Jesus came to bring peace to a weary and broken world, but this peace starts in the human heart, transforming individuals and, through them, entire communities.

Merry Christmas to all! Tonight, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Prince of Peace. On this joyous occasion, we celebrate not only His arrival but also the transformative gift He brings—peace that starts within us and extends outward to families, communities, and the world.

Let me share a story from my childhood. When I was in primary school, we had a remarkable spiritual leader who taught us about life in simple yet transformative ways. He rarely cited scripture directly, but his lessons carried the essence of the Gospel. There was a boy in our class who was always on the sidelines, lonely and excluded. Despite our efforts, he remained distant, convinced he didn’t belong.

One day, our spiritual leader noticed this and began to have conversations with him, and with us. He encouraged the boy to try something simple yet profound: to talk to Jesus. He explained, “Jesus is kind and compassionate. He understands loneliness and hurt because He experienced them too. Speak to Him honestly. Tell Him how you feel and what you hope for.”

The boy was hesitant, but, after a few days, he followed the advice. Every morning for a week, he prayed, asking Jesus for friends and courage. By the end of that week, he found the strength to approach others, and slowly, his world began to change. This simple act of prayer and trust opened the door to a new sense of belonging.

This incident reveals a fundamental truth: the peace Jesus brings is not like the world’s peace. It’s an inner peace that calms the heart and mind, enabling us to face life’s challenges with hope. This peace doesn’t depend on circumstances or other people.

It flows from our relationship with Christ Jesus, who came to dwell among us, so we might experience God’s love firsthand.

When the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, their message was clear:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favours” (Luke 2:14).

This peace isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ in our lives. It’s not about avoiding difficulties or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about finding calm in the midst of chaos and sharing that calm with others.

But how do we receive this peace? Like the boy in my story, it begins with talking to Christ. In prayer, we can bring our fears, frustrations, and desires to Him. And as we open our hearts, we find that He listens. He knows our struggles and longs to give us rest.

Inner peace changes everything. When we carry this peace within us, it affects how we interact with others. It softens our hearts, enabling us to forgive and love even those who have wronged us. Forgiveness, as Jesus teaches, is not about excusing hurtful actions or pretending they don’t matter. It’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment and making room for God’s healing.

Jesus said:

“Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

This invitation is for all of us—those who feel lonely, overwhelmed, or weighed down by life’s hardships. Through His peace, we find strength to let go of pain, embrace love, and build relationships that reflect His kingdom.

Christ’s peace isn’t just for us as individuals; it’s meant to be shared. When we carry His peace within us, it becomes a ripple effect, spreading to those around us. One person, transformed by Christ’s peace, can change the atmosphere of an entire community.

This is the essence of the Christmas story. When Jesus was born in a humble stable, His arrival was announced not to kings or rulers but to shepherds—ordinary people like you and me. The angels proclaimed:

“Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

The peace Jesus brings transforms how we see others. His command to love our neighbours and even our enemies challenges us to embrace humanity in all its imperfections. Through peace, we can build communities that reflect His kingdom—places where everyone is valued, included, and loved.

Imagine what our families, schools, workplaces, and churches would look like if each of us carried the peace of Christ into these spaces. Like the boy in my story who found courage through prayer, we too can be instruments of change, bringing light and hope to those who feel excluded or forgotten.

As we light our candles tonight and celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that Jesus came to bring light into the darkness, and peace into our restless hearts. His peace is not just a feeling, it’s a calling. This Christmas, may we open ourselves to His presence, allowing His peace to transform us from within.

And as we carry that peace into the world, may it shine brightly, touching the lives of those around us. Together, we can create a ripple effect of peace that extends far beyond this holy night.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, on this holy night, we thank You for coming into our world as the Prince of Peace. Fill our hearts with Your peace, so we may reflect Your love and forgiveness to others. May the light of Your presence guide us and bring hope to all we meet. Amen.

Canon Bahman's Christmas Letter 2024

Christmas 2024

Dear Beloved Parishioners,

As we gather near the close of this year and prepare to celebrate the miracle of Christmas, my heart is full of gratitude and love for each of you. The season of Advent has drawn us together in hopeful anticipation, and now, as the Christ Child is born anew in our hearts, we are reminded of the light that no darkness can overcome.

Christmas is more than a day; it is a holy invitation to dwell in the profound mystery of Emmanuel - God with us. In the quiet of the Bethlehem night, God chose to meet us in the humblest of ways, through a child born in a manger. That same God continues to meet us today in our joys, our struggles, and even in the ordinary moments of life.

This year, I have seen Christ’s light shine brightly among you. Whether through your care for one another, your prayers for the hurting, your service to the community, or your steadfast presence in worship, you embody the love of Christ in ways that inspire me deeply. Like the shepherds and the wise men, you have drawn close to the manger, bringing the gifts of your hearts to offer to our Saviour.

As we celebrate this holy season, may you find moments of stillness to reflect on the wonder of God’s love. May your homes be filled with peace, your hearts with joy, and your spirits with renewed hope. Whatever challenges or uncertainties may lie ahead, may the message of Christmas sustain you: that we are never alone, for God walks with us always.

This year, Tricia and I have been especially reminded of the strength we have in Christ and in each other as brothers and sisters in faith. Together, with Jesus as our guide, we can overcome any problem, knowing the joy and strength He bestows upon us. When we hold on to His peace and joy, victory is already ours.

I invite you to join us in worship this Christmas as we come together to sing praises, offer prayers, and celebrate the birth of Christ. May the light of the Christ Child guide your path and fill your days with the deep assurance of His love.

You remain ever in our prayers and in our hearts, and it is our greatest joy to serve as your priest and to walk this journey of faith with you. May the blessings of this holy season be with you and all those you hold dear.

With every blessing,

Bahman and Tricia

The Rev’d Canon Bahman Kalantari, Rector

The Church of Our Saviour The Redeemer

Sermon on the Magnificat and the Holy Family

The Rev. Canon Bahman Kalantari, Rector

The earthly parents of Jesus are Mary and Joseph. Through Mary and Joseph, God comes to earth to dwell among human beings, sharing our lives and experiences. This family, divinely planned and established, has become a Christian pattern for us all since Jesus’ birth. Let me share an example that shows this beautifully, something that truly happened.

Many years ago, while I was attending church, a young family became a part of our congregation. They stayed with us for exactly 40 days. At the time, we were dealing with several challenges as a church. Some parts of the church building needed repair, and we didn’t know how to proceed. On top of that, several of our members were struggling with health issues. Personally, I was deeply worried about my father, who was in the hospital. I couldn’t visit him, and this weighed heavily on my heart.

It was in this season of anxiety and uncertainty that this family arrived. Without asking any questions, they simply joined us in worship and fellowship. Their presence was remarkable—they brought hope and encouragement in ways that were subtle yet profound. Without knowing the specific concerns in our lives, their words and actions brought us closer to Jesus.

For instance, when it came to the church building repairs, they were incredibly talented and resourceful. They didn’t engage in long processes that often feel discouraging. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work, helping in practical ways that amazed us all. While they worked, they shared stories about their travels and experiences. Every story, every account of the people they met and the places they visited, somehow pointed us back to Christ. They didn’t preach to us directly, but their stories radiated the presence of Jesus, His peace, His hope, His strength, and His healing.

I am convinced they weren’t doing this intentionally. We were the ones asking them questions - about their journeys, the places they visited, and the people they encountered. Yet, every time they shared, their words seemed to carry Christ’s light. Whether they spoke about a hotel or an interaction with a stranger, their experiences reminded us of Jesus’ presence and brought us comfort and renewal.

After 40 days, the family left to continue their travels. When I asked for their contact information, hoping to stay in touch, the wife simply smiled and said, “Oh, we will be back. We are always around.”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand her words. Even now, I’m not entirely sure how to decipher them. But as I reflect on this family’s brief but impactful presence, I see them as examples - representatives of Mary and Joseph. Through divine intervention, they brought Christ to us, just as Mary and Joseph brought Christ into the world.

This brings us to Mary’s amazing song, the Magnificat.

After the angel Gabriel told Mary about the birth of Jesus, Mary went into a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where she greeted Elizabeth. In response to Elizabeth’s spirit-filled greeting, Mary declares her divine-liberating insight in the form of a hymn.

Mary’s hymn is perhaps the first Christian declaration. Let us see what the blessed Mary teaches us. This is how the hymn begins:

The Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55 NKJV)

46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

Mary begins by teaching us that God is the source of true joy. Her soul and spirit unite in a single voice of praise, expressing pure, unshakable joy in God’s saving power. This reminds us that God’s salvation is not just an act of rescue but an invitation to joy, a joy that comes from a deep relationship with Him.

48 “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.”

Mary humbly sees herself as God’s servant. Through her, she shares the Good News for the first time: that Christ’s coming is for all people, and all generations will celebrate this miraculous moment. Her words invite the whole human family to embrace Christ as Saviour and Lord.

49 “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.”

Mary exalts God’s might and holiness, emphasizing that He is both powerful and compassionate. This holiness is not distant or unattainable; it’s a gift that God offers to us. All we need to do is accept His offer, through loving and following Christ. Holiness, Mary teaches, is tied to health: the healing of our souls, hearts, and minds. This health and wholeness are demonstrated throughout Jesus’ ministry as He heals the sick, restores relationships, and proclaims the Kingdom of God.

50 “And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.”

Here, Mary proclaims God’s mercy for those who approach Him with awe, reverence, and humility. To “fear” God is not to live in terror but to recognize His greatness and surrender to His love. Such hearts are open to learning the fullness of His mercy.

51 “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”

52 “He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.”

Mary declares the revolutionary power of God. He lifts the humble, those who rely on Him, and brings down the proud and self-sufficient. God stretches out His arms to embrace the meek, the poor in spirit, and the broken and oppressed. These are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

53 “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.”

The “rich” in Mary’s hymn are not merely those with wealth but those whose hearts are consumed by worldly attachments. Their self-sufficiency blinds them to God’s blessings. In contrast those who hunger for God and surrender to Him are filled with His abundant grace. This verse challenges us to reflect on what attachments in our own lives might prevent us from fully receiving God’s blessings.

54 “He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Mary concludes by reminding us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Her words call to mind the covenant with Abraham and the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of the Messiah. Just as God kept His promises to Israel, we can trust that He remains faithful to His people today. The birth of Christ assures us of God’s presence, offering hope and renewal to a broken world.

Closing Prayer:

Living God,

you are the giver of wisdom and true discernment,

guiding those who seek your ways to choose the good.

Mercifully grant that your people,

feasting on the true bread of heaven,

may have eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sermon on the Magi and St. Matthew

During Epiphany, we celebrate the Magi visiting baby Jesus. Epiphany means a big appearance or showing up. It is when Jesus was revealed to more than just his local community but to the whole world.

The Magi’s event has been understood in a few ways. I have talked about this before, but today I will share with you some new findings about the magi.

In the Gospel, the Magi asked Herod about the newborn King of the Jews, guided by a special star to worship Him.

First, why did the Magi come to the Holy Land? Their religious beliefs drove them to journey to the Holy Land.

The Magi were king-priests from Persia (Iran today) who followed Zoroastrianism. They were rulers beneath the highest King. Their belief involved a Trinitarian god: the wise lord, the wise lord's Son (Mithra), and the wise lord's daughter (Anahita).

Mithra, the wise lord's son, is the protector of truth and justice; he is the universal light, acts as the divine representative of the wise Lord on earth, and shields the righteous from the darkness.

Anahita, the wise lord's daughter, is the queen of heaven; she protects pure waters, and offers wisdom, renewal, and peacefulness to people.

Now, let's understand why we believe the Magi were three individuals:

1. One represented and served the wise lord.

2. Another represented and served the wise lord's son, Mithra.

3. The third represented and served the wise lord's daughter, Anahita.

According to the Magi's Holy Scriptures, there are FOUR Saviours expected at the end of each one-thousand-year period. They traveled to the Holy Land seeking the new saviour of their time, who would be the wise Lord's adopted Son.

Again we need to ask, why did St. Matthew write about the Magi in his Gospel?

First,

1. Matthew was a tax-collector and money-changer.

2. He likely had literacy in multiple languages to gather information for his job.

3. His success as a moneychanger required understanding various currencies and exchange rates.

4. To comprehend economies, living in different countries was crucial in ancient times.

Second,

Ambrose, a church leader in the fourth century, mentioned that Matthew, the Gospel writer, traveled to Persia and Macedonia.

During his time in Persia, Matthew stayed along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. This explains why a copy of Matthew's Gospel made its way to India around the same period.

Christian Persians believed and wrote that Matthew's Gospel was originally written in Aramaic. They converted to Christianity because they had access to this Aramaic version, which educated Persians could easily read.

However, historical evidence confirms that the Gospels, including Matthew's, were written in Greek.

But, Papias, an early church leader from the first and second centuries, noted that Matthew also wrote a Gospel in the Hebrews' own dialect, which was Aramaic.

Therefore, we believe that Matthew wrote his Gospel in both Aramaic and Greek. His journey to Persia aimed to continue the mission initiated by the Magi, sharing the good news with those in that region.

Another question: Did the Magi return to Persia?

Marco Polo, a traveler from the thirteen and fourteen centuries, wrote about the Magi in his book. He learned they were from Persia by reading local history and interviewing the people. According to his findings, the three Magi started their journey from a city called Saba, returned there from the Holy Land, and passed away. Marco discovered their graves in Saba's cemetery.

This is the gist of the new findings.

And the last question is: what is the message of Epiphany for us today? What is God's liberating message in this Gospel passage?

Sometimes, like the Magi, we await a significant change or event, longing for renewal. Our Heavenly Father understands this and sends signs:

These signs can lead us to the new and amazing things that bring about significant change in our lives. It could be a rainbow (like in Noah's case), a lamb (like in Abraham's case), a ladder (like in Jacob's case), or a star (as with the Magi).

When we see the star, do we perceive it as a distant beauty or recognize it as a sign? Having faith means accepting the star as a sign of God's activity, not just a beautiful sight.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, during this Epiphany season, we long to come to you, honour you as our King, worship you, and walk in your footsteps. Guide us with faith and happiness, much like the Magi on their spiritual quest. Empower us through the Holy Spirit's work to establish your Kingdom here on earth. In Abba’s presence we pray. Amen.

Sermon on the Magi and St. Matthew

During Epiphany, we celebrate the Magi visiting baby Jesus. Epiphany means a big appearance or showing up. It is when Jesus was revealed to more than just his local community but to the whole world.

The Magi’s event has been understood in a few ways. I have talked about this before, but today I will share with you some new findings about the magi.

In the Gospel, the Magi asked Herod about the newborn King of the Jews, guided by a special star to worship Him.

First, why did the Magi come to the Holy Land? Their religious beliefs drove them to journey to the Holy Land.

Anahita, the wise lord's daughter, is the queen of heaven; she protects pure waters, and offers wisdom, renewal, and peacefulness to people.

Now, let's understand why we believe the Magi were three individuals:

1. One represented and served the wise lord.

2. Another represented and served the wise lord's son, Mithra.

3. The third represented and served the wise lord's daughter, Anahita.

Again we need to ask, why did St. Matthew write about the Magi in his Gospel?

First,

1. Matthew was a tax-collector and money-changer.

2. He likely had literacy in multiple languages to gather information for his job.

3. His success as a moneychanger required understanding various currencies and exchange rates.

4. To comprehend economies, living in different countries was crucial in ancient times.

Second,

Ambrose, a church leader in the fourth century, mentioned that Matthew, the Gospel writer, traveled to Persia and Macedonia.

During his time in Persia, Matthew stayed along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. This explains why a copy of Matthew's Gospel made its way to India around the same period.

However, historical evidence confirms that the Gospels, including Matthew's, were written in Greek.

But, Papias, an early church leader from the first and second centuries, noted that Matthew also wrote a Gospel in the Hebrews' own dialect, which was Aramaic.

Another question: Did the Magi return to Persia?

This is the gist of the new findings.

And the last question is: what is the message of Epiphany for us today? What is God's liberating message in this Gospel passage?

Sometimes, like the Magi, we await a significant change or event, longing for renewal. Our Heavenly Father understands this and sends signs:

When we see the star, do we perceive it as a distant beauty or recognize it as a sign? Having faith means accepting the star as a sign of God's activity, not just a beautiful sight.

Let us pray:

How to make the Anglican Rosary

Anglican Prayer Beads

A Form of Contemplative Prayer

Anglican Prayer Beads are a relatively new form of prayer, blending the Orthodox Jesus Prayer Rope and the Roman Catholic Rosary. The thirty-three bead design was created by the Rev. Lynn Bauman in the mid-1980s, through the prayerful exploration and discovery of a contemplative prayer group.

The use of the rosary or prayer beads helps to bring us into contemplative of meditative prayer—really thinking about and being mindful of praying, of being in the presence of God—by use of mind, body, and spirit. The touching of the fingers on each successive bead is an aid in keeping our mind from wandering, and the rhythm of the prayers leads us more readily into stillness.

Anglican Prayer Beads.

Symbolism of the Beads
The configuration of the Anglican Prayer Beads relate contemplative prayer using the Rosary to many levels of traditional Christian symbolism. Contemplative prayer is enriched by these symbols whose purpose is always to focus and concentrate attention, allowing the one who prays to move more swiftly into the Presence of God.

The prayer beads are made up of twenty-eight beads divided into four groups of seven called weeks. In the Judeo-Christian tradition the number seven represents spiritual perfection and completion. Between each week is a single bead, called a cruciform bead as the four beads form a cross. The invitatory bead between the cross and the wheel of beads brings the total to thirty-three, the number of years in Jesus’ earthly life.

Praying with the beads

To begin, hold the Cross and say the prayer you have assigned to it, then move to the Invitatory Bead. Then enter the circle of the prayer with the first Cruciform Bead, moving to the right,

go through the first set of seven beads to the next Cruciform bead, continuing around the circle,

saying the prayers for each bead.

It is suggested that you pray around the circle of the beads three times (which signifies the Trinity)

in an unhurried pace, allowing the repetition to become a sort of lullaby of love and praise that enables your mind to rest and your heart to become quiet and still.

Praying through the beads three times and adding the crucifix at the beginning or the end, brings the total to one hundred, which is the total of the Orthodox Rosary. A period of silence should follow the prayer, for a time of reflection and listening. Listening is an important part of all prayer.

Begin praying the Anglican Prayer Beads by selecting the prayers you wish to use for the cross and each bead. Practice them until it is clear which prayer goes with which bead, and as far as possible commit the prayers to memory.

Find a quiet spot and allow your body and mind to become restful and still. After a time of silence, begin praying the prayer beads at an unhurried, intentional pace. Complete the circle of the beads three times.

When you have completed the round of the prayer beads, you should end with a period of silence. This silence allows you to center your being in an extended period of silence. It also invites reflection and listening after you have invoked the Name and Presence of God.

Closing your Prayers
The following ending can be used with any of the prayers in this booklet. After three circuits around the prayer beads, you may finish as follows:

Last time through:

Invitatory Bead
The Lord’s Prayer

The Cross
I bless the Lord.

Or, in a group setting:
Let us bless the Lord
Thanks be to God.

Prayers
You may mix and match or put together your own.

Bless the Lord

The Cross

Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
Glory to God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Invitatory
O God make speed to save me (us),
O Lord make haste to help me (us),
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

The Cruciforms
Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord. You that stand in the house of the Lord, lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord.

The Weeks
I lift up my eyes to the hills;
From where is my help to come?
My help comes from the Lord,
The maker of heaven and earth.

Trisagion and Jesus Prayer

The Cross
In the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Cruciforms
Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon me (us).

The Weeks
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Have mercy on me, a sinner.

Or, in a group setting:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy upon us.

*Trisagion means "thrice Holy"

Agnus Dei Prayer

The Cross
The Lord’s Prayer

The Invitatory
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."—Psalm 19:14

The Cruciforms
Oh, Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world
have mercy upon us,
Oh, Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world
have mercy upon us,
Oh, Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world
give us Thy Peace.

The Weeks
Almighty and merciful Lord,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us.
Amen.

*Agnus Dei means "Lamb of God"

Julian of Norwich Prayer

The Cross
In the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Cruciforms
God of your goodness, give me yourself,
For you are enough to me.
And I can ask for nothing less that is to your glory.
And if I ask for anything less, I shall still be in want, for only in you have I all.

The Weeks
All shall be well, and all shall be well,
And all manner of things shall be well.

In His love He has done His works, and in His love He has made all things beneficial to us.

This prayer was created by Sister Brigit-Carol, S.D.
www.solitariesofdekoven.org

A Celtic Prayer

The Cross
In the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Cruciforms
Be the eye of God dwelling with me,
The foot of Christ in guidance with me,
The shower of the Spirit pouring on me,
Richly and generously

The Weeks
Pray each phrase on a separate bead.
I bow before the Father who made me,
I bow before the Son who saved me,
I bow before the Spirit who guides me,
In love and adoration.
I praise the Name of the one on high.
I bow before thee Sacred Three,
The ever One, the Trinity.

This prayer was created by Sister Brigit-Carol, S.D.
www.solitariesofdekoven.org

Come Lord Jesus Prayer

The Cross
"Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."—Revelation 7:12

The invitatory
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."—Psalm 46:1

The Cruciforms
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s Holy Name."—Psalm 103:1

The Weeks
"Come Lord Jesus, draw us to yourself."—John 12:32

Saint Patrick's Breastplate

The Cross

I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.

The Invitatory
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

The Cruciforms
I bind unto myself today
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and One in Three.

The Weeks
1. I bind this day to me for ever, by power of faith, Christ’s Incarnation;
2. his baptism in Jordan river;
3. his death on cross for my salvation;
4. his bursting from the spicèd tomb;
5. his riding up the heavenly way;
6. his coming at the day of doom:
7. I bind unto myself today.

1. I bind unto myself the power of the great love of cherubim;
2. the sweet "Well done" in judgment hour;
3. the service of the seraphim;
4. confessors’ faith, apostles’ word,
5. the patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls;
6. all good deeds done unto the Lord,
7. and purity of virgin souls.

1. I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heaven,
2. the glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
3. the whiteness of the moon at even,
4. the flashing of the lightning free,
5. the whirling of the wind’s tempestuous shocks,
6. the stable earth, the deep salt sea,
7. around the old eternal rocks.

1. I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead,
2. his eye to watch, his might to stay,
3. his ear to hearken, to my need;
4. the wisdom of my God to teach,
5. his hand to guide, his shield to ward;
6. the word of God to give me speech,
7. his heavenly host to be my guard.

Words: attributed to St. Patrick (372-466)
translated by Cecil Frances Alexander, 1889
Adapted for use with Anglican Prayer Beads by Laura Kelly Campbell

An Evening Prayer

The Cross
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Invitatory
Open my lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall proclaim
Your praise.

The Cruciforms
Guide us waking, O Lord,
and guard us sleeping;
that awake we may watch
with Christ, and asleep
we may rest in peace.

The Weeks
Jesus, lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world, give us your peace.