Prayer comes in many forms. When we look at traditional prayers that have been offered in the past we might shake our heads about the sensibilities. One such prayer is ‘A Pub Blessing’ attributed to St. Brigid. Here the prayer tends to illicit thoughts of drunkenness and lewd behaviour. However, beneath the surface is a desire for fellowship and community. 

A Pub Blessing

I would like to have the men of heaven
in my own house:
with vats of good cheer
laid out for them.

I would like to have all the saints,
whose fame is so great.
I would like people
from every corner of heaven.

I would like them to be cheerful
in their drinking.
I would like to have Jesus too
here amongst them.

I would like a great lake of beer
for the King of Kings,
I would like to be watching heaven’s family
drinking it through all eternity. ~ St. Brigid

From Celtic Daily Prayer Book Two: Farther Up and Farther In, 2015.