Pat, an Irish missionary of the Sacred Heart (MSC), once led one of our community morning prayers. Before reading “Kindling the Fire” and “Covering the Fire, he shared the story behind the two prayers.
He told us that not many years ago, Ireland had no gas, oil or electric fires nor central heating. Thus the Irish people had to rely on the open fire fueled by peat, timber or coals to heat the home, cook the meals and bake the bread.
At night, just before they sleep, the fire was covered with ashes. The fire was, as it were, put to sleep. In the morning, the coals and embers were uncovered, the ashes removed, and the fire became alive again. This was known as kindling the fire.
Prayers were composed around kindling the fire. Many of these prayers are very profound, soul searching and meaningful. The following is one of them.
This morning, as I kindle the fire upon my hearth,
I pray that the flame of God’s love may burn in my heart,
and the hearts of all I meet today.
I pray that no envy and malice,
no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy,
contempt and pride, may not pour like cold water on the fire.
Instead, may the spark of God’s love
light the love in my heart, that it may burn brightly through the day.
Many prayers were also composed around covering the fire. Many of these prayers are as deep, intense, and insightful. The following is one of them.
Lord, preserve the fire,
as Christ preserve us all.
Lord, may its warmth remain in our midst,
as Christ is always among us.
Lord, may it rise to life in the morning,
as we shall rise with Christ to eternal life.
Wow, what a nice, sweet prayer. As i read it, it felt as if i was floating in mid air, on my way to heaven! Thank you so much father Stephen. This prayer made me feel at ease and calm and relaxed… THANK YOU!
If i may father, may i ask your permision to copy this to my own file so that i could re read it on my own time. I really love this prayer. Salamat jud kaayo.
what a beautiful post!
Very inspirational prayer asking humble kindness
support/guidance and love of our LORD GOD with
gratitude. Beautiful indeed.
may this prayer be my guiding light in times of “darkness”, be my inspiration to do my mission, be my “rainbow” in my storm.
thanks jedi for including this to your website. you’re website is truly a source of inspiration and motivation to people.
keep up the good work.