In the daily prayer of the Western churches, the Invitatory is a Psalm, usually Psalm 95 or Psalm 100, sung at the beginning of the first office of the day. I’ve replaced the traditional Invitatory Psalm with adaptations of traditional Druid prayers.
Find a quiet place where you can be alone without distraction. Weather permitting, I like to be outside.
Light candles or a small fire, if you like. I light candles at each of the four quarters as well as candles on my devotional altar.
Bow and make the Sign of the Cross while saying:
In the name of God, The Three-In-One, The One-In-Three, Now and ever and unto Ages of Ages. Amen.
Greeting the Four Directions
For the following, if you like, stand and face each direction, or walk to that position. Pause after each line to visualize peace spreading to that direction.
May there be Peace in the North. May there be Peace in the South. May there be Peace in the West. May there be Peace in the East. Facing east, Through the Strength of heaven, Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon, Splendor of Fire, Speed of Lightning, Swiftness of Wind, Depth of Sea, Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock - May there be Peace in the Land, in the Sea, and in the Sky. May there be Peace throughout the world.
The Druid Prayer
Grant, O God, Thy Protection; And in protection, strength; And in strength, understanding; And in understanding, knowledge; And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice; And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it; And in that love, the love of all existences; And in the love of all existences, the love of Creator God, Christ God, and Spirit God, Mary our mother, all the angels and saints, All of creation that sustains and nourishes us, and all goodness. --Adapted from Iolo Morganwg (attributed)
Invoking the Holy Spirit
In Druid thought and practice, Awen is seen as the spirit of inspiration, represented by the Goddess Cerridwen for many neo-Pagans. The Awen symbol (left) is three dots and three lines, often contained within a circle. The dots represent the three drops of the brew in Cerridwen’s cauldron that splashed onto the hand of Gwion Bach, granting him wisdom and knowledge. The three lines, or rays, symbolize a myriad of concepts, depending on who you ask. Check out this Wikipedia entry for more. In my own personal practice, I see Awen as the Holy Spirit. Many Druids begin rituals by chanting the word, “Awen” (AH-OO-WEN, drawing out each syllable).
Chant three AWENS.
I begin with my arms folded over my chest. On the first AWEN, I unfold my arms and raise them above my head ( \ o /). I bring them down spread to the sides with my palms facing up as I chant the second (– o –). On the third AWEN I bring my arms down at an angle with my palms facing forward (/ o \), forming the AWEN symbol with my body.
With arms in the last position, say the following:
Come, Holy Spirit, Fill the hearts of your faithful, And kindle in us The fire of your love.
Continue with Prayers upon Rising and Lighting the Lamps or Morning Prayer.
Alternatively, end with the Sign of the Cross and go about your day.