Streams of Mercy

In the week of St. Patrick’s Day, I always revisit my favorite Irish blessing:

“May the Road Riser to Meet You.” It was often sung as a Response in Song after the Benediction in a former congregation.

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

It's about God’s blessing for our journey – may our walk be an easy one – with no huge mountains to climb or obstacles to overcome. It alludes to three images from nature – the wind, sun and rain – as pictures of God’s care and provision. The wind is the Spirit of God; the sun’s warmth reminds us of the tender mercies of God; the soft falling rain speaks of God’s provision and sustenance. Finally, we are reminded that we are held safe in God’s loving hands as we travel on our journey through life.

Today I came across the rest of the poem, after discovering the part that has meant so much to me through the years is only the first six lines! Here is the rest of the poem:

May God be with you and bless you:

May you see your children’s children.

May you be poor in misfortune,

Rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home

And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

How special to have the fullness of the blessing to share this St. Patrick’s Day!

Elizabeth