Kenneth McIntosh > Quotes

“is what the Life-Giver says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,  and you will find rest for your souls.” —JEREMIAH”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Water from an Ancient Well: Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life: Pilgrimage Study Edition

“Here is a prayer about being Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve: God, I thank you for making my first parents, Adam and Eve, and for making me like them. Thank you that I can be like you—creative and caring. Help me to love all other people and all the creatures you made on this earth. At the same time, I know I can be like Adam and Eve in their shame—selfish and hurtful. When I do that, please forgive me for Jesus’s sake, and help me to get close to you.”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Following Aslan: A Book of Devotions for Children

“The Bible says, “If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you. . . . For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:9,11). Here is a prayer you can say, speaking to God in the invisible world: God, I do not see you, your Son, or your angels, but I know they exist. I believe you are near me, like the radio waves that I cannot see but that are around me all the time. I know you see me, even when I do not see you; I know you protect me and watch over me, so I can rely on you and not be afraid of the things I do see. Thank you for your angels and your invisible hand of protection.”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Following Aslan: A Book of Devotions for Children

“We all struggle at times with the fear that we may be our own worst enemy. Even if we put on a bold face for the world, we often inwardly hear a chorus of voices expressing regret, shame, doubt, and loneliness. No matter how tired we are of this gloomy self-talk, it never seems to go away. If only we could swap out this pessimistic, defeated spirit for one that is victorious over life’s fray! This is a common feeling that most of us have had at one time or another. In spiritual terminology, the longing we’re experiencing is to “die to ourselves.” This total surrender of the selfish “I” means letting go of the ego that overwhelms us with its anxieties, allowing it to be replaced by our real selves, the true identity that lies at the heart of each of us.”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Water from an Ancient Well: Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life

“God’s Song I am the amoeba swimming in pond water. I am the elephant stepping gently on huge feet. I am the whale that sings its song seven fathoms deep. I am the chickadee with dark bright eye. I am the hawk rising swift on currents of wind. I am the tiger stalking its prey. I am the platypus, most confused of all animals. I am the wild goose flying on strong winds. I am the rabbit, fleet of foot and timid of heart. I am the minnow, darting in shallow water; the tadpole transforming into something new; the caterpillar never dreaming of wings; the butterfly that speaks to you of resurrection; the cat curled in your lap; the spider spinning her web; the cow, patient servant of humanity; and the cricket, singing its autumn song. I am the breath of each one. I am the Spirit in each. Look. I am everywhere you turn, if you only had eyes to see.”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Celtic Nature Prayers: Prayers from an Ancient Well

“Adam said, “Lord, I am lonesome and have trouble remembering how much you love me.” God said, “No problem! I will create a companion for you so you will know my affection, even when you cannot see me. No matter how selfish and foolish you may be, this new companion will love you unconditionally, as I do.” So God created a new animal for Adam, and this new animal was so happy to be with the man, that it wagged its tail with joy. But Adam said, “Lord, I do not have a name for the new animal.” And God said, “Because I created this animal to reveal my love for you, his name will have the same letters as my own name—you will call him Dog.” So Dog became Adam’s best friend, and Dog was happy and wagged his tail even more. But after a while, one of the angels complained to God, saying, “Lord, Adam has become arrogant. He is insufferably conceited. Dog has taught him that he is unconditionally loved—but no one teaches him humility.’ And the Lord said, “I have a solution! I will create another companion for him who will see the man as he is. This creature will remind him that he is not always worthy of adoration.” And God created Cat. Cat was certain he was far superior to Adam, and so Cat taught Adam humility. And God was pleased. And Cat did not give a darn one way or the other.”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Water from an Ancient Well: Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life

“O holy Jesus, Gentle friend, Morning Star, Midday sun adorned, Brilliant flame of righteousness, life everlasting and eternity, Fountain ever-new, ever-living, ever-lasting. . . . Son of the merciful Father, without mother in heaven, Son of the true Virgin Mary, without father on earth, True and loving Brother.”
― Kenneth McIntosh, Water from an Ancient Well: Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life