St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) is a day that brings forth the ‘wearing of the green’, stories of leprechauns and shamrocks, wonderful Irish music, and gentle reminders of Celtic spirituality in many parts of the world. 

Celtic spirituality transcends institutionalized religion and encourages people to consider aspects of the essence of life … like sleep.   But sleep can be the elusive pimpernel of the night for many.

Night time, for many, seems to be a time when
… minds seem to worry more
… pain seems to hurt more acutely
… grief seems to be more intense
… fear seems to escalate

When COVID-19 spread its tentacles in every continent, countless people became isolated, got sick, died.  Anxiety grew as new strains of the virus emerged.  Vaccines weren’t available to all people.  And growing numbers of people refused to get vaccinated.

Increased concern about climate change brought dramatic discussions about climate-refugees.  As a growing number of countries around the world continue to live in unbelievable conflict and the rest of the world holds its breath, fearful about the possibility of biological and nuclear warfare being unleashed, thousands are deeply concerned about their savings, health care for themselves/their families, and fear about the future if democracy coming to an end robs people of good sleep.

Rising concerns about availability of treatment/medication for those who are facing unwanted, unexpected, complicated pregnancies – availability of medical care that is becoming a major concern along with the growing concern about homelessness and addiction, keep people awake at night or shorten the length and quality of their sleep.

People “take sides” – alienating people in neighbourhoods, worship, work, community groups/organizations, families.  And, worry, stress and global tension are having a serious negative effect on sleep patterns. 

We all need sleep – and good sleep. 
On St. Patrick’s Day, the Ancient Celtic Prayer for Peace and Sleep seems to be most fitting. 
It is a prayer. 
It is a wish. 
It is a hope. 
It is a need.

May this night, and all nights to come, be blessed with sleep and safety for this world and may this ancient prayer bring a gentle night of sleep for us all.

THE ANCIENT PRAYER FOR PEACE AND SLEEP
May the peace of the tallest mountain,
and the peace of the smallest stone be our peace. 
May the stillness of the stars watch over us.
And may the everlasting music of the wave lull us to rest.
Amen.  So be it.  Amen.

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© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
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Bluesky: @soulistryjune.bsky.social

Calligraphic artist: George Simpson
Author: unknown member of a Celtic spirituality community. Many Celtic prayers, including those for sleep and protection, originate from oral traditions and were later compiled in collections like “The Carmina Gadelica”, a 19th-century collection of Gaelic prayers, hymns, and blessings compiled by Alexander Carmichael.