The People and Priest
Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
People Amen
Breastplate of Saint Patrick
The People and Priest Gather in the Lord's Name
I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me forever By power of faith, Christ's incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan River; His death on the Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spicèd tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of doom; I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power Of the great love of cherubim; The sweet "Well done" in judgment hour; The service of the seraphim; Confessors' faith, Apostles' word, The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls; All good deeds done unto the Lord, And purity of virgin souls.
I bind unto myself today The virtues of the starlit heaven, The glorious sun's life-giving ray, The whiteness of the moon at even, The flashing of the lightning free, The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks, The stable earth, the deep salt sea, Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today The power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need. The wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward; The word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin, The vice that gives temptation force, The natural lusts that war within, The hostile men that mar my course; Or few or many, far or nigh, In every place and in all hours Against their fierce hostility, I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan's spells and wiles, Against false words of heresy, Against the knowledge that defiles, Against the heart's idolatry, Against the wizard's evil craft, Against the death wound and the burning, The choking wave, the poisoned shaft, Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three. By Whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Confession of Sin and Absolution (Loving and Inviting)
Priest: Beloved, let us come before the Lord with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for His grace and forgiveness. Together, let us confess our sins:
All: Loving and merciful God, we come before you as your children, acknowledging our faults and weaknesses. We have fallen short of the love and compassion you call us to embody. Forgive us, and help us to draw nearer to your grace. We know that in your mercy, you welcome us with open arms, ready to transform our hearts.
Priest: In the name of Jesus Christ, I declare to you the forgiveness of all your sins, and I invite you to embrace the abundant love and grace of God.
Gather in the Lord's Name
Proclaim and Respond to the Word of God
The proclamation and response may include readings, songs, talk, dance, instrumental music, other art forms, silence.
Scriptural Reading
[Select an appropriate scripture passage for the day and read it.]
A reading from the Gospel is always included.
The Creed
The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds;
Light of Light, very God of very God;
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation,
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried;
and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven,
and sits on the right hand of the Father;
and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.
Prayers of the People
O Holy One, in the Celtic Christian tradition, we lift our hearts in intercession for your people, for all those who seek your light and love.
As the ancient Celts cherished the wisdom of their elders, we pray for the leaders and teachers within the Church. Grant them insight and courage to guide your people in the ways of faith, truth, and justice. May their words be a beacon of your wisdom.
Like the Celts who revered the natural world, we pray for the protection and healing of the Earth. May we, your people, be good stewards of the land, air, and water, preserving the beauty of creation for generations to come.
In the spirit of the Celtic tradition of hospitality, we pray for those who are marginalized and in need. May your love and care embrace the outcast, the poor, the lonely, and the oppressed. Grant us compassionate hearts to serve and uplift those who are in distress.
We remember the sick and the suffering, the wounded in body and spirit. Like the ancient Celtic healers, we ask for your healing touch to bring comfort and restoration. May your presence be a source of solace and strength.
In the Celtic way of life intertwined with the divine, we pray for the unity of your Church, that all believers may be drawn together in love and harmony. May our differences be a source of richness and strength rather than division.
As we journey through life, we remember the departed, and those who have touched our lives with their faith and love. May they find eternal rest in your presence, and may their memory continue to inspire and guide us.
O God of the Celts, hear our intercessions, and may your grace and peace flow through your people as a gentle, life-giving stream, nurturing and uniting us in the name of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peace
Either here or elsewhere in the service, all greet one another in the name of the Lord.
Prepare the Table
Some of those present prepare the table; the bread, the cup of wine, and other offerings, are placed upon it.
The Offertory Prayer (Celtic Flavored)
Priest: O God, as we offer these gifts, we remember the Celtic saints who, in the quiet and sacred places, dedicated their lives to your service. Bless these offerings, both material and spiritual, as a symbol of our commitment to walk in their footsteps, seeking your presence in the beauty of the natural world and the stillness of our hearts. May these gifts be used for the work of your kingdom, and may our hearts be open to your guidance and grace as we offer them to you.
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Preface (Celtic Flavored)
Priest: It is right and fitting to give thanks and praise to the Lord our God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the source of all life and light, and the One who calls us into a sacred journey.
People: We lift our hearts in gratitude, O God, for your wondrous works and your enduring love.
Priest: As we gather at this sacred table, we recall the Celtic saints who, in the solitude of the wilderness and the closeness of community, witnessed to your presence and love. In their lives, we see a reflection of your glory and grace.
People: We are inspired by their faith and dedication, O God, and we honor their memory.
Priest: In the beauty of creation and the rhythms of the seasons, we glimpse your wisdom and artistry. We recognize your divine presence in the whisper of the wind, the gentle murmur of the streams, and the strength of the ancient rocks.
People: We are in awe of your handiwork, O God, and we cherish the gift of your creation.
Priest: We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who walked among us, teaching us to love, to forgive, and to serve. In his life, death, and resurrection, we find the path to salvation and the promise of eternal life.
People: We are filled with gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ, O God, and the hope he brings.
Priest: As we approach your table to partake of the holy feast, we join our voices with the saints, the angels, and all your creation in the hymn of eternal praise.
People: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Priest: We give thanks to you, O God, for the bread and wine, symbols of your presence among us and the means of grace through which you nourish our souls.
People: We offer our thanks and praise, O God, for the gift of this Eucharist.
Priest: As we partake of this holy meal, may we be transformed into your likeness, O God, and be sent forth to shine your light in the world. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we offer this prayer. Amen.
The Words of Institution
Priest: On the night He was betrayed, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to His friends, saying,
"Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
[The priest holds the bread.]
Priest: After supper, He took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said,
"Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
[The priest holds the cup.]
The Epiclesis (Invocation of the Holy Spirit)
Priest: O Holy God, who sent Your Spirit upon the apostles and filled the hearts of believers, we beseech You to send forth Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine. May Your Spirit consecrate these elements and transform them into the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer before Communion (Celtic Flavored)
Priest: Gracious and loving God, as we approach this sacred table to partake of the Body and Blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, we come with hearts open in humility and gratitude. We remember the Celtic saints and the countless faithful who have walked this path before us, seeking your presence in the beauty of the natural world and the stillness of their hearts.
People: We are filled with awe and reverence, O God, as we prepare to receive this holy feast.
Priest: In this moment, we ask you to sanctify our souls and cleanse our hearts, that we may be vessels worthy of your grace. May the bread and wine we are about to receive become for us the true Body and Blood of Christ, nourishing our spirits and renewing our commitment to walk in his ways.
People: We come to you, O God, seeking strength, wisdom, and the fullness of your love.
Priest: Bless these elements, as well as the offerings we bring, both material and spiritual, that they may be a source of unity and peace for all who partake. May our communion with one another and with you deepen our sense of belonging to the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us.
People: We are one in Christ, bound together in love and faith.
Priest: May this Eucharist empower us to go forth, sharing the light of Christ and your love with all whom we encounter. As we remember the saints who have gone before us, may we also be saints in the making, radiating your grace in the world.
People: We are your instruments, O God, ready to serve and reflect your love.
Priest: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we offer this prayer. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Priest: The Body of Christ, broken for you.
People: Amen.
The Sharing of the Cup
Priest: The Blood of Christ, shed for you.
People: Amen.
Final Blessing and Dismissal
You can include this prayer before Communion in your service for a meaningful and contemplative experience.
This service now includes a loving and inviting confession of sin with the absolution, the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed, as well as a Celtic-flavored offertory prayer. You can adapt the specific Celtic saints' names or the invocation as per your preference or the liturgical calendar.The Lord be with you.PeopleAnd also with you.CelebrantLift up your hearts.PeopleWe lift them to the Lord.CelebrantLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.PeopleIt is right to give him thanks and praise.