Silence. The deserted wilderness. The furnace of transformation. Abiding love. Wooing of the Spirit. These were some of the many themes that kept surfacing during my vigil retreat in preparation for taking vows. To synthesize these themes, I wrote several prayers dedicated to our patron, Abba Anthony the Great. You'll most likely see the repetition of the themes throughout, but I wanted to share these with you.
~ ~
O Christ, draw near me. Woo my soul to the desert where I may be transformed in the furnace of silence. Abba Anthony guide me; your life to Christ is my daystar and your faith is my hope. Help me learn to stand before God in silence, to be still, and listen with the ear of my heart. Amen.
A More Typical Prayer Book Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, instill in my heart your transforming silence; whereby your servant Anthony the Great witnessed the solitary life of faith to show the abundance of your grace and love; bid us in quietude to be still and to know that you are our God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit and woo me to the deep, fiery wellsprings of your love.
Lead me through the desert and into your light, never leave me.
Come breathe in me the strength and courage to stand and walk
today, so that I may witness your love and truth.
Come, may I abide in your peace. Amen.
