Saint Patrick, Morning Prayers and Writing at the Beach

Woke at 7:30 this morning to the sound of the waves hitting the beach… the sun had only barely begun to burn away yesterday’s cloud and rain, so I made a pot of coffee, said my Morning Prayers. and got to work, here, in my little beach condo writing space.

My Morning Prayer is a historic Orthodox Prayer, attributed to Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow. I printed off a copy and placed it beside a copy of a detail of the icon, “Extreme Humility,” in my makeshift icon corner.

O Lord,grant that I may meet the coming day in peace.

Help me in all thingsto rely upon Thy Holy Will.

In every hour of the day,reveal Thy will to me.

Bless my dealings with all who surround me.

Teach me to treat all that comes to methroughout the day with peace of soul,and with the firm conviction that Thy will governs all.

In all my deeds and words,guide my thoughts and feelings.In unforeseen events, let me not forgetthat all are sent by Thee.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely,without embittering and embarrassing others.

Give me the strength to bear the fatigueof the coming day with all that it shall bring.

Direct my will. Teach me to pray.

Pray Thou Thyself in me. Amen.

I didn’t immediately think about it being Saint Patrick’s Day. Somehow the beach with its own subculture (especially during Spring Break week) feels far removed from the calendar of the Church. But it’s not. Because the Kingdom of Heaven is within. We take it with us wherever we go.
So now, having written seven pages in four hours (writing can often be slow and laborious, other times swift and easy) I’m going to take a break and head down to the beach to walk, read, and edit.

This photo from my balcony shows that I won't be alone… people, gulls, kites, boats, umbrellas, sand castles…. bring it on! I’ll be back tomorrow.

By the way, I found the pictures I thought I had lost when posting yesterday, so I added them to Monday’s blog post, below. Check them out!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!