Aidan Morning Prayer

From ©The Community of Aidan and Hilda

OpeningAs the sun, at first unnoticed, rises and runs across the globe in glory, so you raise humble souls who spread your flame across the world. We arise today in memory of Aidan, gentle flame of God.

PsalmPsalm 19:1–10

With Abraham, desert hermits and holy martyrs we go forward into the unknown. With gentle Aidan and all the apostleswe reach out in loveWith the prayers of God’s people and the angels we cross to fresh shoresthe Father behind us, the Saviour beside us, the Spirit who leads us on.

Old Testament readingIsaiah 6:1–8.

What vision was in Aidan’s heart on the long journey from western isle to eastern shore? What bridge did he fear to cross? What weakness filled him with doubt?

A candle or torch of flame is lit.

In Christ our strength is made complete in weakness. We carry a torch of living flame – Christ, the Light of the world. The light of Christ is among us; in the gentle touch, in the listening ear, in the patient toil, in the concern for the poor, in the challenging of wrong.

New Testament reading1 Thessalonians 2: 3-8; Matthew 4:12–22; 10:1–15 or 28:16–20

A reading or a song.

IntercessionsAs Aidan crossed over from one race,

language and religion

to another, help us to cross boundaries for you.

As Aidan befriended each person he met as a child of yours

may we honour that which is of you

in each person we meet.

As Aidan brought the further light of the Gospel without

dismissing rays of light already present

may we belittle nothing that is good in another people.

God of Aidan of simple dress, give us the gift of simplicity. God of Aidan of the gentle touch, give us the gift of gentleness. God of Aidan of the generous heart, give us the gift of generosity. God of Aidan of the friendly greeting, give us the gift of meeting. God of Aidan of the burning faith, give us the gift of believing.

There may be free or silent prayer and singing.

ClosingFrom today and always, may we look upon each person we meet with the eyes of Christ, speak to each person we meet with the words of Christ, and go wherever we are led with the flame of Christ.