Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas day (4)

 

EARTH TODAY REJOICES 

Earth today rejoices,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Death can hurt no more;
And celestial voices,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Tell that sin is o'er.
David's sling destroys the foe:
Samson lays the temple low:
War and strife are done,
God and man are one.

Reconciliation,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Peace that lasts for aye.
Gladness and salvation,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Came on Christmas Day.
Gideon's Fleece is wet with dew,
Solomon is crown'd anew:
War and strife are done.
God and man are one.

Though the cold grows stronger,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Though the world loves night,
Yet the days grow longer,
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya,
Chris is born our Light.
Now the Dial's type is learnt,
Burns the Bush that is not burnt:
War and strife are done;
God and man are one.

 The words and lyrics of the old Christmas carol 'Earth Today Rejoices' were written by John Mason Neale (1830-1894)'.John Mason Neale was born in London, the son of a Minister and was educated at Cambridge and he was ordained in May 1842. He was famous for writing the words of Good King Wenceslas. The music is from the Piae Cantiones. The Piae Cantiones is a collection of medieval Latin songs which originate from Finland. The first collection of these songs were published in the 1600's by Theodoricus Petri Rutha. The first English edition was published in 1910 by G.R. Woodward.

 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve (4)

 

Nativity Prayer from The Orthodox Liturgy

Your nativity, O Christ our God,
has shed the light of knowledge upon the world.
Through it,
those who had been star-worshipers
learned through a star to worship you,
O Sun of Justice,
and to recognize in you the one who rises
and who comes from on high.
O Lord, glory to you!

Feast of the Nativity Liturgy

Friday, December 23, 2011

the Lords Prayer Old English

The Lord's Prayer

(Old English - Anglo-Saxon)

Fæder ure þu þe eart on heofonum;
Si þin nama gehalgod
to becume þin rice
gewurþe ðin willa
on eorðan swa swa on heofonum.
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg
and forgyf us ure gyltas
swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge
ac alys us of yfele soþlice

Translation of Old English Text
Father our thou that art in heavens
be thy name hallowed
come thy kingdom
be-done thy will
on earth as in heavens
our daily bread give us today
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those-who-have-sinned-against-us
and not lead thou us into temptation
but deliver us from evil. truly

Friday, December 16, 2011

The O Antiphions



THE seven "O Antiphons" (also called the "Greater Antiphons" or "Major Antiphons") are prayers that come from the Breviary's Vespers during the Octave before Christmas Eve, a time which is called the "Golden Nights." The week leading up to Christmas EVE.





Each Antiphon begins with "O" and addresses Jesus with a unique title which comes from the prophecies of Isaias and Micheas (Micah), and whose initials, when read backwards, form an acrostic for the Latin "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I come." Those titles for Christ are:


Sapientia


Adonai


Radix Jesse


Clavis David


Oriens


Rex Gentium


Emmanuel


These titles in more detail:


Dec. 17th Sapientia


Wisdom


Isaias 11:2-3
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord, He shall not judge according to the sight of the eyes, nor reprove according to the hearing of the ears.


Isaias 28:29
This also is come forth from the Lord God of hosts, to make his counsel wonderful, and magnify justice.



Dec. 18th
Adonai


Lord of Israel


Isaias 11:4-5
But he shall judge the poor with justice, and shall reprove with equity the meek of the earth: and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. And justice shall be the girdle of his loins: and faith the girdle of his reins.


Isaias 33:22
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king: he will save us.


Dec 19th
Radix Jesse


Root of Jesse


Isaias 11:1
And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root.


Isaias 11:10
In that day the root of Jesse, who standeth for an ensign of the people, him the Gentiles shall beseech, and his sepulchre shall be glorious.


Micheas 5:1
Now shalt thou be laid waste, O daughter of the robber: they have laid siege against us, with a rod shall they strike the cheek of the judge of Israel.


Romans 15:8-13
For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. But that the Gentiles are to glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and will sing to thy name. And again he saith: Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again: Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and magnify him, all ye people. And again Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse; and he that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in him the Gentiles shall hope. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; that you may abound in hope, and in the power of the Holy Ghost.


Apocalypse 5:1-5
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book written within and without, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man was able, neither in heaven, nor on earth, nor under the earth, to open the book, nor to look on it. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open the book, nor to see it. And one of the ancients said to me: Weep not; behold the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.


Dec. 20th
Clavis David


Key of David


Isaias 22:22
And I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut: and he shall shut, and none shall open.


Isaias 9:6
For a child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.


Dec. 21st
Oriens


Radiant Dawn, Dayspring


Isaias 9:2
The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.


Malachias 4:1-3
For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of hosts, it shall not leave them root, nor branch. But unto you that fear my name, the Sun of justice shall arise, and health in his wings: and you shall go forth, and shall leap like calves of the herd. And you shall tread down the wicked when they shall be ashes under the sole of your feet in the day that I do this, saith the Lord of hosts.


Dec. 22nd
Rex Gentium


King of all Nations, King of the Gentiles


Isaias 9:7
His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.


Isaias 2:4
And he shall judge the Gentiles, and rebuke many people: and they shall turn their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into sickles: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they be exercised any more to war.


Dec. 23rd
Emmanuel


God with us


Isaias 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel.

















http://fisheaters.com/customsadvent10.html

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Thomas Merton (1915 - 1968)



O land alive with miracles!O clad in streams. Lift your blue trees into the early sun!
O country wild with talentIs there an hour in you that does not rouse our mind with songs?The boughs that bend in the weak windOpen us momentary windows, here and there,Into those deep and purple galleries,Disclosing us the birds your genius.
 

O brilliant wood! Yours is the voice of a new world;And all the hills burn with such blinding art
That Christ and angels walk among us, everywhere.These are their ways, their fiery footsteps,That flash and vanish, smile and pass;--By those bright passengers our groves are all inspired.Lo, we have seen you, we have seized you, wonder,Caught you, half held you in the larch and lighted birch:But in that capture you have sailed us half-mile-high into the air
 

To taste the silences of the inimitable hawk:But in the dazzled, high and unelectric airSeized in the talons of the terrible DoveThe huge, unwounding Spirit,We suddenly escape the drag of earthFly from the dizzy paw of gravityAnd swimming in the wind that lies beyond the trackOf thought and genius and of desire,
 

Trample the white, appalling stratosphere.~

Thomas Merton

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Kingdom of God ( Jesus teaching on the kingdom) Pt 1




Matthew 3:2
“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ”
Matthew 4:17
“From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”’
Matthew 5:3
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Matthew 5:10“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Matthew 6:33“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 12:28“But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.”
Matthew 19:24“I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
Matthew 21:31“Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.” Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.”
Mark 1:15
“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Mark 4:11“He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders,”’
Mark 4:26“Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.’”
Mark 4:30“Jesus said, ‘How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?’”
Mark 9:1
“Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.’”
Mark 10:15“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Mark 10:23“Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”
Mark 12:34“Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God.’”

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Lughnasadh (Lammas) Liturgy




LUGHNASADH LITURGY

The earth is the Lord's
And all that is upon it
Created and creative things
Fruit and Fruitfulness
Springtime and Summer
Seedtime and harvest
For the promise of harvest
contained within a seed
we thank you.

For the oak tree
within an acorn
The bread
within a grain
The apple
within a pip
The mystery of nature
gift wrapped
for us to sow
we thank you.
‘As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.’ (Gen 8:22)


We see signs of summer's passing in golden leaves,
shortening days, misty mornings, autumn glow.
We sense its passing in rain that dampens,
winds that chill, Harvest's bounty placed on show.
Creator God, who brings forth
both green shoot and hoar frost,
sunrise and sunset,
we bring our thanks
for seeds that have grown,
harvests gathered,
storehouses filled,
mouths fed.

And, as your good earth rests
through winter's cold embrace,
we look forward to its re-awakening
when kissed by Spring's first touch.


Here a song, chant or hymn might be sung


‘Sow everywhere the good seed given to you. Sow in good ground, sow in sand, sow among the stones, sow on the oad, sow among the weeds. Perhaps some of these seeds will open up and grow and bring forth fruit, even if not at once'
Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833) Russian monk


"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
John Muir


"We marvel at the Creator, not only as the one who made heaven and earth, sun and ocean, elephants, camels, horses, oxen, leopards, bears and lions, but also as the one who made the small creatures: ants, gnats, flies, worms and the like - things whose shape we know better than their names. And as in all creation we revere his skill, so the one whose mind is given to Christ is earnest in small things as in great, knowing that an account must be given even for an idle word."
Jerome (331-420) Church Father


For creativity in its many forms
we give you thanks
For the skill of weaver
potter, artist, sculptor
needle worker
all who take that which you have given
and make with it something of beauty
For fruitfulness in its many forms
we give you thanks
For selfless love
grace, wisdom, knowledge
sacrifice
all who take that which you have given
and make with it something of beauty


For summer's passing
and harvest home
A. WE THANK YOU
For seed that has fallen
the promise of spring
A. WE THANK YOU
We bless you,
God of Seed and Harvest
And we bless each other
That the beauty of this world
And the love that created it
Might be expressed though our lives
And be a blessing to others
Now and always
A. AMEN

liturgy developed by John Birch

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Celtic Advent Begins


A CELTIC ADVENT LITURGY

The lantern is lit


(A few moments of silence)

'Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.'


(John 1:3-5)
In the beginning, Lord


I was alone


Like the earth


before your Spirit moved over the waters.


I was formless and empty


and darkness filled the depths of my heart.


Then, it was as if you declared


'Let there be Light'


and out of the darkness


I began to see hope


like a shimmering ray of love


breaking through the parting clouds


at the conclusion of the night.


In the beginning, Lord I was alone


but when I saw you in the light I was no longer afraid.


You held out your hand


and though I had a choice


I had no choice


because to refuse


was to embrace again the darkness.


In the beginning, Lord I was alone


now I am again a part


of your creation


loved, wanted, needed, family.


In the light of your presence


I hold out my heart that others


might glimpse through it your reflection


and be drawn from the darkness that I once embraced


into the light of your sunrise


the brightness of your face




Lord Jesus, Son of God, Saviour of the world


All: Be the centre of all that we are, and the life that we lead


Lord Jesus, Light in this dark World, illuminate our hearts and minds


All: Be the centre of all that we are, and the life that we lead




(A space for music to be played or sung )

'There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.'


(John 1:6-9)


(A moment of silence - During the silence, you may like to read and reflect on the words that have been read, gaze at the lantern - or simply enjoy the peace and calm )


In the lonely places


The wilderness


Where we stand forlorn


Windswept and alone


Your voice calls out


Prepare a way for the Lord


In the dark places


The shadows


Where we hide our fears


Embrace our tears


Your voice calls out


Prepare a way for the Lord


For the desert places in which we walk


The streets we roam


The paths we cross


Guide our feet


Take us to places


Where you would go


Give us words that you would use


That in this Advent season


Of promise and preparation


We might point the way with John the Baptist


To the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!






O come, Thou Day-spring, from on high,


And cheer us by thy drawing nigh;


Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,


And death's dark shadows put to flight.


Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel


Shall come again and with us ever dwell






(Scripture reading - possibly the Gospel reading for the day)





(A space for music to be played or sung)




(Intercessions - A caim prayer)


Circle us, Lord


Circle us with the light of your presence, bright within this dark word


Enable us to be overcomers of fear and temptation


Enable us to be victors over sin and despair


Enable us to become that which you would desire


(Silent prayer)


Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation


Circle us with the light of your presence


Circle us, Lord


Circle our family within the shelter of your outstretched arms


Protect them in each moment of their daily lives


Protect them in the decisions that they face


Protect their homes and relationships


(Silent prayer)


Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation


Circle our families with the light of your presence






Circle us, Lord


Circle this nation with Advent love and hope


Create a desire to listen to the Advent message


Create a willingness to understand and respond


Create a need to reach out to the Christ Child


(Silent prayer)


Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation


Circle our nation with the light of your presence






Circle us, Lord


Circle this world with the joy of your Salvation


Where there is sickness and disease bring healing


Where there is hunger and despair bring hope


Where there is torture and oppression bring release


(Silent prayer)


Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation


Circle this world with the light of your presence








Lord, thou hast given us thy Word for a light to shine upon our path;


grant us so to meditate on that Word, and to follow its teaching,


that we may find in it the light that shines more and more until the perfect day; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Christian Pacifisim





The feeling of patriotism - It is an immoral feeling because, instead of confessing himself a son of God . . . or even a free man guided by his own reason, each man under the influence of patriotism confesses himself the son of his fatherland and the slave of his government, and commits actions contrary to his reason and conscience." Leo Tolstoy, Patriotism and Government


Those soldiers were filled with wonder and admiration at the grandeur of the man’s piety and generosity and were struck with amazement. They felt the force of this example of pity. As a result, many of them were added to the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ and threw off the belt of military service.
—Disputation of Archelaus and Manes


I do not wish to be a king; I am not anxious to be rich; I decline military command... Die to the world, repudiating the madness that is in it.
Titian’s Address to the Greeks

The Scriptures teach that there are two opposing princes and two opposing kingdoms : the one is the Prince of peace ; the other the prince of strife. Each of these princes has his particular kingdom and as the prince is so is also the kingdom. The Prince of peace is Christ Jesus ; His kingdom is the kingdom of peace, which is His church; His messengers are the messengers of peace; His Word is the word of peace; His body is the body of peace; His children are the seed of peace.  Menno Simmons(1494-1561), Reply to False Accusations, III
To our most bitter opponents we say: ‘We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We shall meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will, and we shall continue to love you.’
Martin Luther King. (1929-1968), “Loving your Enemies” in Strength to Love
Love without courage and wisdom is sentimentality, as with the ordinary church member. Courage without love and wisdom is foolhardiness, as with the ordinary soldier. Wisdom without love and courage is cowardice, as with the ordinary intellectual. Therefore one who has love, courage, and wisdom is the one in a million who moves the world, as with Jesus, Buddha, and Gandhi.
Ammon Hennecy (1893 - 1970)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Litany of the Celtic Saints (1)

                  





                                                             God of the Incarnate Word
   have mercy upon us
God of the Abiding Spirit
   have mercy upon us
St. Aidan of Lindisfarne
   St. Aidan pray for us
St. Bede the Venerable
   St. Bede pray for us
St. Brendan the Navigator
   St. Brendan pray for us
St. Brigid of Kildare
   St. Brigid pray for us
St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise
   St. Kieran pray for us
St. Columba of Iona
   St. Columba pray for us
St. Finian of Clonard
   St. Finian pray for us
St. Francis of Assisi
   St. Francis pray for us
St. Hilda of Whitby
   St. Hilda pray for us
St. Ita, Foster Mother of the Saints
   St. Ita pray for us
St. Killian the Missionary
   St. Killian pray for us
St. Martin of Tours
   St. Martin pray for us
St. Patrick the Enlightener
   St. Patrick pray for us
 
All Saints of the Green Martyrdom
Green Matyrs, pray for us
All Celtic Saints Beloved of Christ
Beloved Celtic Saints, pray for us
Lord Have Mercy
Christ Have Mercy
                                                                    Lord Have Mercy    

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Francis of Assisi




The Canticle Of Brother Son And Sister Moon

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!
All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.
To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather,
through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water;
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you;
through those who endure sickness and trial.
Happy those who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing your most holy will.
The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks,
and serve him with great humility.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

the Lords Prayer Scottish Gaelic

The Lord's Prayer

(Scottish Gaelic)


Ar n-Athair a tha air nèamh,
Gu naomhaichear d'ainm.
Thigeadh do rìoghachd.
Dèanar do thoil air an talamh,
mar a nìthear air nèamh.
Tabhair dhuinn an-diugh ar n-aran làitheil.
Agus maith dhuinn ar fiachan,
amhail a mhaitheas sinne dar luchd-fiach.
Agus na leig ann am buaireadh sinn;
ach saor sinn o olc:
oir is leatsa an rìoghachd,
agus an cumhachd,
agus a' glòir,
gu sìorraidh. Amen

Monday, September 26, 2011

the Celtic Cross






The Celtic Cross, or wheel cross, is one of the most widely recognized patterns of this Christian symbol. It comes to us through at least three different paths, or interpretations of its development. First, the circle with rays coming out from the center through its sides, top and bottom, had been a widespread symbol for the sun. In the Celtic world, this sun symbol had often been represented as an actual wheel with numerous spokes, deriving from the old belief that the sun was drawn by a chariot with wheels. This interpretation is adaptable to Christianity on the basis that Christ is the Light of the world. Moreover, with its longer bottom line, the Celtic cross is reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem, with the light directing us to the birth of the Savior.




The second path is more traditionally Christian and can be traced in the development of the cross itself on monuments in Britain and elsewhere. One of the earliest Christian symbols (even before the cross) was the Chi-Rho -- a combination of the first two Greek letters in the name Christos, resembling a P over an X and often placed within a circle or wreath. Gradually, the X was turned to become a crossed vertical and horizontal line, with the vertical line merging with the vertical line of the P. The loop of the P eventually disappeared, leaving us with the simple cross within a circle. By extending the lines outside the circle, we have the traditional Celtic cross.

In a more basically Celtic tradition, however, the cross is indeed a "wheel cross." The wheel was a symbol of the Indo-European peoples who had come into the West with the domesticated horse and the chariot. So the wheel in its simplest symbolic representation of a circle (the rim) with internal vertical and horizontal lines (the spokes) came to be associated with the Europeans and especially with the Celtic peoples. The Christian cross then is a traditional wheel symbol with the arms extended to form the cross of Christ superimposed upon the circular wheel. This interpretation is highly symbolic of Christ's Lordship over the Celtic people, but it also represents a combination of Christianity with traditional Celtic spirituality.

One thing that the interpretation of the Celtic cross as a wheel cross does give us that is most characteristic of the Celtic way is the idea of connectedness. As the Celtic knots that often adorn it show a connectedness through the single unbroken thread, the wheel cross provides us with another unbroken symbol in a circle -- often used as a symbol itself for the unity of the people of God -- connected and embraced by the arms of the cross.



graphic: St. John's Cross, Iona
from all saints parish web sight

Thursday, September 15, 2011

THE WELSH REVIVAL

The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905


During the spring of 1904 a young Welshman named Evan Roberts was repeatedly awakened at 1:00 a.m. He met with God until 5:00 a.m. The Welsh revival followed. Churches were packed for prayer meetings. In a prayer meeting for young people, Pastor Joseph Jenkins asked for testimonies. A young girl named Florrie Evans, who had only been a believer a few days, rose and with a trembling voice said simply, "I love Jesus with all my heart." The other young people's hearts were melted. A powerful spiritual awakening that brought 100,000 people to Christ was under way.

On November 7th, 1904 Moraih Chapel was filled to capacity for a prayer meeting that lasted until 3:00 a.m. Soul winning spread through the coalmines. Profane swearing stopped. Even the miners' horses were puzzled when their masters stopped cursing.

Orders to the Bible Society "for Scriptures from Wales during November and December, were over three times the amount for the corresponding months of 1903..." The Times said this resulted from the Welsh revival, adding that this demand showed no sign of falling off.

"The mighty and unseen breath of the Spirit was doing in a month more than centuries of legislation could accomplish" the pastor of Saint John's-Wood Presbyterian Church declared on Sunday, January 1st, 1905 according to the London Times.

The Welsh revival "had a great effect" in healing spiritual carelessness among Christians and "the growing bitterness which has accentuated our unhappy divisions", the Bishop of Bangor declared on January 2nd, 1905. He called "congregations to meet together often for united prayer."

The Times added that "the religious revival in Wales continues...with unabated zeal." Huge crowds were attending the meetings. Bible verses covered the doors down in the coalmines. "At Swansea the Poor Law guardians...dealt with revival cases in which people...have taken their parents from the workhouse."

"The Welsh revival movement has shown no sign of flagging...", The Times pointed out on January 10th. Entire congregations were on their knees in fervent prayer and "for the first time there was not a single case of drunkenness at the Swansea Petty Sessions."

On January 11th The Times noted that David Lloyd-George, who later became the British Prime Minister, said the Welsh revival gave hope "that at the next election Wales would declare with no uncertain sound against the corruption in high places which handed over the destiny of the people to the horrible brewing interest...".

Lloyd-George even saw one of his political rallies taken over by the Welsh revival. He was impressed as a young girl prayed in the presence of 2,000 people. He said in one town the tavern sold only 9 cents worth of liquor drinks on Saturday night!

The Times observed that "The whole population had been suddenly stirred by a common impulse. Religion had become the absorbing interest of their lives. They had gathered at crowded services for six and eight hours at a time. Political meetings and even football matches were postponed...quarrels between trade-union workmen and non-unionists had been made up..."

"At Glyn-Neath a feud had existed for the past 10 or 12 years between the two Independent chapels, but during the past week united services have been held in both chapels, and the ministers have shaken hands before the congregations."
The Salvation Army set apart January 19th, 1905 for a day of confession, humiliation, and prayer throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. All day prayer meetings were held in many of the principal cities of the British Isles, according to the London Times. The meeting was marked by "fervent prayer and any one who felt called upon to pray." Fires of spiritual revival and moral recovery were spreading.

Coal miners crowed into prayer meetings that lasted till 3:00 a.m. and then washed, ate breakfast and returned to work. Many drunkards confessed their sins and received Christ.

According to the London Times of February 2nd, 1905 due to the Welsh revival many men abandoned dins of iniquity. Employers noticed a great improvement in the work produced by their employees. A judge named Sir Marchant Williams said that his work was much lighter especially regarding drunkenness and related offenses.

The revival fires burning in Wales in 1904-05 spread through England, Ireland and Scotland. Prayer meetings multiplied. As many as 2,000 attended a prayer meeting in the city of Bradford. In the City of Leeds, Samuel Chadwick reported that his church was never empty all day. An amazing work of grace transformed life in a factory.

In 1905 a week of united prayer meetings in an English town called Nuneaton led to a "glorious revival". The Prince's Theatre was packed each Sunday night after church with 1500 praying believers and many unsaved seekers. In Bulwell, many of the most degraded drunkards were converted. In the Bedfordshire villages, whole nights devoted to prayer prepared for powerful evangelism.

Joseph Kemp, pastor of Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh, visited God's mighty work of revival in Wales in 1904. Back in his home church on New Year's Eve, 1905, an unusually fervent prayer meeting led to conviction of sin. A powerful revival that continued for over two years was under way. A strong work of evangelism began. 1,000 inquirers received counseling.

The Irish Presbyterians issued a Call to Prayer. Noonday and evening prayer meetings multiplied. The Irish Methodists and other denominations experienced an unusual spirit of grace and supplications. In Lurgan, revival meetings packed both the First Presbyterian and the Methodist churches. The taverns were emptied while people who had not attended church before come in record numbers and received Christ.

Revival fires spread through Bangor University resulting in "only a third or fourth of the students attending some of the classes... Beginning with a spontaneous outburst of praise and prayer among the men students, the movement spread...at a united prayer meeting...some...broke down sobbing."

In 1905 when Fred C. Gibson became pastor of 1st Presbyterian Church in Tobormore, County Londonderry, Ireland the little town was morally and spiritually dead. So he signed a covenant with God to seek revival by his preaching and his prayers. In spite of strong resistance, God moved in special meetings that changed the Christians and resulted in remarkable conversions of hardened sinners.

God can do it again. Join with others all over the world in praying for spiritual awakening. Gather a group to pray on the first Monday of each month.

graphics:  upper left: prayer meeting in the coal mines, middle right welsh revival stock photo, lower left Evan Roberts and team

 All Rights Reserved. You may copy for free distribution without making any changes; Rev. Oliver W. Price