The Bible and Celtic Prayers from Iona

It seems fitting to start off with a little bit about the two books I read and refer to the most.  The ones that go with me where ever I go.

The NRSV Harper Study Bible(mine is the old Revised Standard Version) was given to me as a High School graduation gift from my parents.  It has seen much use over the years.  There are many bits of scripture underlined and bits of papers and book marks tucked throughout it's pages.  These days, I often use an ESV Personal Size Reference Bible for my daily readings as I like the more modern language without all the "thee's and thou's," but when I am perplexed, in need of comfort and solace or encouragement, I turn back to this old Harper Study Bible.  It is truly an old friend.

You may notice the stains on the cover.  They are remnants of smoke damage from our housefire in 1999. It left permanent stains on the leather and removed most of the gilding from the page edges.  The stains keep me mindful of this passage of scripture from 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.

"...each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire."

The book beneath it, Celtic Prayers from Iona  by J. Philip Newell is one I use almost daily.  I love the gentle way it presents prayers and meditations for daily use.  Each morning and evening cycle of prayer and meditation includes a verse from Psalm 139, an opening prayer and thanksgiving, intercessions and a closing prayer.  There is a list of scripture readings included for each day of the year.  The book is all done in calligraphy, which is a beautiful touch.  The prayers, such as this one below are beautiful and stay with me through each day.

God before me, God behind me,
God above me, God beneath me.
I on your path O God
You, O God, on my way.
In the twistings of the road
In the currents of the river
Be with me by day
Be with me by night
Be with me by day and by night.