The Compass Points

A cyclical devotion to accompany the Anglican Prayer Beads

The four-pointed shape of the Anglican Prayer Beads made the compass points an obvious inspiration for the following poetic prayers. This prayer cycle (and some others I’m working on) was largely inspired by the Benedicite, omnia opera Domini (commonly called the Benedicite for short); a beautiful canticle traditionally recited at Morning Prayer. This canticle personifies the things of nature, God’s creation, and calls them to offer praise and adoration to God.

I’ve intentionally started the cycle with North, so that if one were to lay the chaplet down and orient it with the compass, the ‘True North’ would point directly to the cross or crucifix. This is a subtle reminder that Christ is our ‘True North’ as Christians.

I hope this simple devotion is helpful!

Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

Crucifix: 

Glory to the Father of Creation,

Glory to the Son, Who rules the wind,

Glory to the Holy Ghost proceeding, 

At the worlds beginning, so the end.

Invitatory:

The Heavens and all the Earth is made,

And all belong to Him,

The seas and rivers, land and sky,

And all who dwell therein.

First Cruciform Bead:

Blessings, O Creation,

Send your praises forth,

Praise Him on the four great winds,

And praise Him, O you North!

First Week:

Praise Him all you tundras,

Praise Him, darkest night,

Praise Him, all you frozen depths,

Praise Him, Northern Lights,

Praise Him, hail,

Praise Him, snow,

Praise Him, all you ice!

Second Cruciform Bead:

Blessings, O Creation,

Praise Him with a feast,

Praise Him with the rising sun,

And praise Him, O you East!

Second Week:

Praise Him, all you misty hills

Praise Him, morning light,

Praise Him from the mountain tops,

Praise Him, highest height,

Praise Him, fawn,

Praise Him, cub,

Praise Him, birds in flight.

Third Cruciform Bead:

Blessings, O Creation,

Praise Him with your mouth,

Praise Him on the compass points,

And praise Him, O you South!

Third Week:

Praise Him, all you hurricanes,

Praise Him, every tree,

Praise Him, all you tropic fish,

Praise Him, every bee,

Praise Him, currents,

Praise Him, sand,

Praise Him, deepest sea.

Fourth Cruciform Bead:

Blessings, O Creation,

Praise Him with your breath,

Praise Him with the sunset,

And praise Him, O you West!

Fourth Week:

Praise Him, all you gardens,

Praise Him, every pine,

Praise Him with your produce,

Praise Him with your wine,

Praise Him, ivy,

Praise Him, rose,

Praise Him every vine.

Final Cruciform Bead:

Blessings, O Creation,

The compass and the wind,

The rising and the setting sun,

Beginning and the end.

Benediction (To be recited on the Invitatory Bead):

Oh, Lord, our path is in your hands to break and mend and guide,

To plant a garden, till the land, and troll the oceans wide, 

And though we risk to so misstep and blaze a wayward trail, 

Your Word, Our Compass, points the way to Glory without fail.

Crucifix:

Glory to the Father of Creation,

Glory to the Son, Who rules the wind,

Glory to the Holy Ghost proceeding, 

At the worlds beginning, so the end.

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If you found this devotional aid to be helpful, please share it with a friend! There are more prayer cycles to follow, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Return to our contents page, The Cruciform Prayer, here!