Autumn 25 Compass Prayer
This is the compass prayer we'll be using for the Autumn 25: Fall & Rise series.
We pray three lines of scripture at each of the four points of the compass, which you'll turn through as you go.
I've split each line in two: breathe in the first half of the line, and breathe out the second half of the line. Don't try to speak the words yourself - just listen to me if you're on the audio, or speak them 'within' if you're reading!
Turn to the East (the place of sunrise):
In God’s tender mercy // The dawn will come. (Luke 1.78-79)
Your love never stops // Your mercies are new. (Lam 3.22-23)
I arise and shine // for Christ now shines in me. (Is 60.1 / Eph 5.14 / 2 Cor 4.6))
And now turn to the South (where the sun's highest at mid-day):
Fill me afresh / With Your fullness. (Eph 3.19)
Fountain of Life // My cup overflows (Ps 36.9 / Ps 23)
Your grace is sufficient // Restore my soul. (2 Cor 12.19 / Ps 23)
And now turn to the West (the place of sunset):
Your ways are not mine // but I trust with my heart. (Is 55 / Prov 3.5-6)
You’ll bring autumn rain // and the trees will bear fruit. (Joel 2)
From sunrise to sunset // I will praise You. Ps 113
And now to the North (the place of night-time and darkness):
Though I have fallen // so I will rise …
Though I sit in darkness // You will be my light. (Micah 7.8)
Those who sow with tears // will reap with songs of joy. (Ps 126.5)
And turn back to the East:
In Your tender mercy // The dawn will come. (Luke 1.78-79)
Your love never stops // Your mercies are new. (Lam 3.22-23)
I arise and shine // for Christ now shines in me. (Is 60.1 / Eph 5.14 / 2 Cor 4.6))
…
To conclude, turn full circle slowly for a final time, using St Columba’s ‘circling prayer’. (Circling prayers were used by the ancient Celts as prayers of protection and re-connection).
Bless to me the ground that is beneath me.
Bless to me the sky that is above me.
Bless to me the friends who are around me.
Bless to me the love of the Three,
deep within me, and encircling me.
Amen.