{"id":2428,"date":"2017-09-14T00:48:34","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T22:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/?p=2428"},"modified":"2017-09-14T00:48:34","modified_gmt":"2017-09-13T22:48:34","slug":"circle-me-lord","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/09\/14\/circle-me-lord\/","title":{"rendered":"Circle me, Lord"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nWomen’s Day 2016, Rome (Photo: Irene Bom)<\/p>\n

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

(Psalm 91:4<\/a>, The Voice)<\/p>\n

 
\nWhen early Celtic Christians felt physically or spiritually threatened they turned to the Caim<\/em> or “encircling” prayer as an act of faith in God as our refuge<\/a> and protection.<\/p>\n

Here’s what the book, Celtic Daily Prayer<\/a><\/em> (p. 305-306), has to say about this versatile form of prayer incorporating both spoken word and a simple ritual:<\/p>\n

\nEXCERPT<\/em><\/p>\n

When words get in the way and it seems impossible to focus, the caim<\/em> or “encircling” prayer can often be helpful. Draw a circle clockwise around yourself, using the right index finger as you say the prayer; this symbolizes the encircling love of God. (The situation may make this physical action impractical; in which case see the action in your mind’s eye as you pray.) See yourself and others encircled and be aware that the living God surrounds and encloses with His love, care and protection.<\/div>\n

\n <\/p>\n

Two examples of caim prayers taken from Celtic Daily Prayer<\/em> to outline the format. Substitute the words in italics as appropriate.<\/p>\n

1.
\nCircle (name<\/em>), Lord
\nKeep (comfort<\/em>) near
\nand (discouragement<\/em>) afar.
\nKeep (peace<\/em>) within
\nand (turmoil<\/em>) out.<\/p>\n

2.
\nCircle (name<\/em>), Lord.
\nKeep protection near
\nand danger afar.<\/p>\n

Circle (name<\/em>), Lord.
\nKeep hope within,
\nkeep despair without.<\/p>\n

Circle (name<\/em>), Lord.
\nKeep light near
\nand darkness afar.<\/p>\n

Circle (name<\/em>), Lord.
\nKeep peace within
\nand anxiety without.<\/p>\n

The eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit
\nshield (name<\/em>) on every side.
\nAmen.<\/p>\n\n

A video in which 6-year-old Elliot shares how encircling prayer has helped him.<\/p>\n