Gilbert of Hoyland lived a long, long time ago. He died in 1170. He was an Abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Lincolnshire, England. His treatises and sermons are dull and boring. But when he prays his words have a contemporary freshness. “Lord, teach us to pray,” the disciples asked Jesus and he gave them what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer.” We pray that prayer by rote these days without much thought to its content. We have memorized it, and say it often, but have we learned how to pray through it?
I am still learning how to pray honestly, rationally, and emotionally. Gilbert of yesteryear has been one of my teachers. I’ve adapted his prayers for my personal use.
Come to Me
When will you manifest yourself to us in the bright sunshine? Yes, we are slow to understand and slow to see. But we are quick to believe; and we believe that if you chose to reveal yourself to us, you would do so this very day. So please appear to us, at dawn or at dusk or at the height of day. Come to our table at mealtimes, that we may share our meals with you. Come in the night, that we may share our rest with you. Come to us at our prayers, that we may be glad for your company.
River and Sky
Move our hearts with the calm, smooth flow of your grace. Let the river of your love run through our souls. May our souls be carried by the current of your love, towards those who need our care. Stretch our hearts, as you stretch out the sky above the earth. Smooth out any wrinkles of hatred or resentment. Enlarge our souls that we may know more fully your truth.
I am still learning how to pray, honestly, rationally, and emotionally. It is not an easy task.
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