Hello Prayer Bench friends,
Here is your January newsletter. And here is what is inside. You can read it or listen to the recording above.
A Prayer from the just released January Email Retreat called Dwelling in the Temple of the Heart. This resource is available only through a Prayer Bench subscription. (It is not too late to sign up for the 2023 subscriber series of resources.)
The story of Brigid’s Mantle. Saint Brigid is an Irish saint. In the calendar of feast days, we remember her on February 1.
A practice for Candlemass, celebrated on February 2.
Group and Personal packages are available still, but only for a little while, then you’ll find most, but not all, resources in the Prayer Bench Shop.
Planning for Lent? Something new from the Prayer Bench — Pause & Practice. Learn more in the introductory video below.
A PRAYER TO BEGIN
Excerpt from the “Dwelling in the Temple of the Heart” email retreat, the first resource in the Prayer Bench subscription packages.
O Finder
They search for their son
never tiring of seeking.
And aren’t we always searching for the Beloved
even as we are relentlessly sought?
O Finder,
We are eager to be found.
We call upon you with all our whole heart, our soul, and our strength.
Centre us in stillness. Root us in wisdom. Move us in Love.
O Finder, O the One
We are here. (J. MacLean, 2023)
“The Finder” is one of the 99 names for God in Islamic tradition.
THE STORY OF BRIGID’S MANTLE
Excerpt from Living in the In-Between Way, a 2022 email retreat.
Legend has it that Brigid wanted to build a convent. She found the perfect place, but the land belonged to the King of Leinster and he refused her request. She and the sisters prayed his heart would soften. Later, she met him on the road and asked for as much land as her small mantle (cloak) covered. Bemused, he granted her request. She threw down her mantle and it grew and spread across many acres. He recognized her as a “holy woman” and granted her the land and she built her convent in Kildare.
Brigid was born on February 1. There is an ancient tradition, marked by some today, to leave a piece of cloth (the size of a handkerchief) outside the home on the night on January 31st. It was thought Brigid’s spirit travelled the land and blessed the cloth. The next day, the cloth would be brought indoors and kept safe. Throughout the year the cloth would be used for healing humans and animals and to offer protection from evil.
The stories of Brigid’s life occupy a space between myth and history, as do many of the stories of the lives of the saints. Rather than literal truth, they offer us metaphors helpful in guiding our spiritual journey.
What can we make of Brigid’s mantle?
From our baby “blankies” to our favourite cozy sweaters we know the power of fabrics to soothe and comfort. We offer those who are ill prayer shawls to let them know they are not alone. We know how the “fragrance” of a loved one lives in the shirt they once wore, and this fragrance brings them close. I wear an exquisite woven scarf, a special gift from someone I love, to help me write this retreat because it brings me close to the spirit of Brigid who I admire for her creativity, courage, and power.
We are helped in our time by those who go the way of life before us. Recall the scripture that says, “They rest from their labour but their work follows them.” (Revelation 14:13) I understand this to mean that death changes the physical location of those who once lived and laboured on earth. Yet something of their essence lingers and their conscious work continues to unfold in a new way. We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. (Hebrews 12:1) When there is a capacity or spiritual quality in us, that is part of that essence their being, we find ourselves supported.
As we continue to explore Brigid, what is it about her spirit that inspires or energizes you? What spiritual capacity in you might Brigid support?
“Beneath your mantle gather us.”– Saint Brigid Prayer
A PRACTICE FOR CANDLE MASS DAY on February 2
Excerpt from the Living the In- Between Way 2023 Email Retreat
Candle mass is celebrated on February 2. It commemorates the visit of Mary and Joseph to the temple 40 days after the birth of Jesus. Here is a lovely story, recorded by Alexander Carmichael in the Carmina Gadelica, of Brigid walking before Mary with a lighted candle in each hand shedding light on her path.
“It is said in Ireland that Brigid walked before Mary with a lighted candle in each hand when she went up to the Temple for purification. The winds were strong on the Temple heights, and the tapers were unprotected, yet they did not flicker nor fail.”
You might want to light a candle.
Slowly Read: Luke 2:22-40
Journal or draw your response to any of these prompts that compel you:
Who serves as “Brigid of Brightness” in your life?
In what ways are you shedding light on the path of others?
What phrases or images from the gospel story invite your attention?
GROUP & PERSONAL PRAYER BENCH SUBSCRIPTION
The 2023 subscription packages are available for a few more days. After this time sone will be available for the full cost.
Get the info in a Quick Glance:
The Prayer Bench offers two subscription packages until the end of January.
A group subscription ($99). Learn more
A personal subscription ($49). Learn more.
Read on for more information.
THE GROUP SUBSCRIPTION ($99)
A January email retreat coming soon to share with your community of faith by email or in print, called “Dwelling in the Temple of the Heart”
Lent Pause & Practice (for group study or Lenten lunches)
EASTER Email Retreat
Group Stroll for Your Soul (sign up unlimited participants)
Group Autumn Rambles (sign up unlimited participants)
Advent Email Retreat
Advent Small Group Study - Musicians of Holy Mystery.
Register six (or more) group participants to receive all resources directly.
THE PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTION ($49)
A January email retreat, “Dwelling in the Temple of the Heart”
Lent Pause & Practice ( Six practices for Lent; one delivered each Saturday in Lent)
EASTER Email Retreat
Stroll for Your Soul
Autumn Rambles
Advent Email Retreat
A NEW LENT RESOURCE
This resource is included in both 2023 subscription packages. Learn more about Pause & Practice.