Guardian of Bifrost,
Wielder of the Gjallarhorn,
Keen-eyed watchman whom no evil can sneak past,
Who preserve inviolate the dwellings of the Gods,
I hail you.
May you keep watch over my heart.
May you keep watch over my mind.
May you keep watch over my spirit.
May you keep watch over all that I am,
That no evil may enter within me,
That I too may be a fitting dwelling for the Gods.
Hail, mighty guardian, holy protector!
Thank you for all your many gifts.
Hail, Heimdall!
Bright and holy Gods,
whose care extends throughout the world,
even to the farthest depths and the smallest things,
who are always and ever all good,
the very source of goodness, for whom all beings long,
whose blessings fountain forth abundantly,
providing all that we need,
who are always and everywhere present,
whenever we turn toward you,
Help me always, in everything, to honor you,
to become ever more fully aware
of your presence, your gifts
which uphold me at every moment.
Help me always, with everything, to turn toward you.
May my every word be a hymn.
May my every deed be a hymn.
May my every thought be a hymn.
May my every breath be a hymn.
May all that I say and think and do, all that I am,
be in keeping with your goodness, your providence, your love.
May I hymn you without ending, every moment of my life.
Continue reading “May I Hymn You Always”In a dark forest grove
Lit by starlight, flick’ring flame,
Decked with ivy, fragrant flowers,
Your worshippers come, laden down
With their sorrows, their worries.
With the weight of the world.
You, O Lord, lift their burdens.
You show first a glimpse,
Then so much more – rushing,
Swirling, another vision, souls enraptured,
As you draw forth from our lips
Wave upon roaring wave
Of brilliant, rolling laughter.
So hail to you, O Lysios!
Praise, O Lord of Laughter!
O bright and holy Gods
Who are the source and fountain of all that is good,
Who fill the cosmos with your blessings,
I come to you in my need.
O providential Gods, mighty saviors,
Who know all things throughout the whole world,
Who care for all mortal creatures,
I entrust my cares to you.
Brilliant Apollon of the golden lyre,
Whose gifts bring balance, poise, harmony,
Set each part of my soul, my life, in due order.
In all things, grant perfect, proper measure.
Lord Dionysos, ever-future king,
Captivated by the mirror, torn apart yet reborn entire,
Direct my gaze toward what is good.
Bring me to unity: in my soul, in my life, in my devotion.
Mighty Zeus, father and creator,
Source of all life, ruler of all things,
Uphold and sustain me, in justice, truth, and piety.
Bring me through life’s storms, to your blessed harbor.
All you holy Gods whom I adore,
Who fill every cosmos – large and small – with your gifts,
Perfect my soul. Bring me to aretē.
I come to you in trust, and in supplication.
Let us honor Athene this day
Let us sing to the grey-eyed Goddess:
Wise and cunning savior,
Guide for those who call to you,
Ever near to those who are dear to you
And ever dear to those whom you are near.
Aegis-bearing Athene, daughter of sovereign Zeus,
Noble warrior, might savior,
Ever cunning, ever wise,
I call to you in this time of need.
Valiant defender of Athens,
May you defend my nation, too,
With courage, with strength,
And above all, with wisdom.
Blessed Muse, crowned with stars,
Your soft, gentle touch
Draws me upward, on high.
Wise lady, you see all
The course of the stars,
You mark sacred measures,
You know full well all
They send down here to Earth.
Gentle leader, guide, beloved Goddess,
Pray lead me, guide me,
Illumine my way,
Bring me home.
(April 2020)
In the darkness, twin candles burn brightly at your shrine, illumine you Nine Holy Muses, who illumine me in turn. You breathe in the incense – breathe into me, I pray; inspire me by your presence. You for whom honeyed tapers burn down – lay upon me gifts from your sacred beehives.
(May 2020)
Apollon who see all things, From the highest summits to the lowest valleys, In the sea and the depths beneath the earth, Apollon who know all things, Each step in the dance of the stars, The wisdom upwelling from the heart of the Earth, Apollon who harmonize all things, Through the gifts of the Muses and your care for the winds, Apollon who guide those who call to you, Inspire me with your voice of truth, Bringing wisdom, guidance, and clarity, Apollon whose gift and treasure is the mantic art, Be with me in this reading, I pray. Help me to honor you through this work.
I hymn you, O Muse, I hymn blessed Kleio, I honor you here in the quiet of night. You illlumine my mind, you give shape to my story, I remember life’s journey, piece by piece, in your sight. You bring not merely snippets, sterile data and facts, But the narrative thread that will stitch them up tight. You help me to tell a true tale of my life: A story that shows sacred purpose aright. Well-arranging my tale – where I’ve come from, and why – With your help, holy Muse, hidden links come to light. Through story, I see my path up to this point, Pointing into a future that’s hopeful and bright.
(May 2019)
barefootwisdom 