Irish Blessings

Since my mom was 1/2 Irish, we kids didn't dare go out of the house on St. Patrick's Day without the wearing of the green. Of course we didn't believe in leprechauns, but every time we saw a rainbow we couldn't help but dream about finding a pot of gold at the end of one. In the summer, my sisters, friends and I would spend hours searching for a four leaf clover. One year a friend of mine actually found one. Whether you're Irish or not, you can't deny the beauty of an Irish blessing. Here are a few of my favorites. Perhaps you'll share one in a card with a Christian friend or at the dinner table with your family on St. Patrick's Day.

May you always have work for your hands to do,
May your pockets hold always a coin or two,
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane,
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
May the friendships you make
Be those which endure
And all of your Grey clouds
Be small ones for sure.
And trusting in Him to Whom we all pray,
May a song fill your heart every step of the way.


Family Blessing:

May these walls be filled with laughter,
may it reach from floor to rafter.
May the roof keep out the rain,
may sunshine warm each windowpane.
And may the door be open wide
to let the Good Lord's love inside.

Family Dinner Blessing:

May this food restore our strength,
giving new energy to tired limbs,
and new thoughts to weary minds.
May this drink restore our souls,
giving new vision to dry spirits,

and new warmth to cold hearts.
And once nourished and refreshed,
May we give thanks to Him who
gives us all and makes us blessed.