The Cycle of Life
A cyclical devotion to accompany the Anglican Prayer Beads
Life and death are unavoidable realities for each of us. Having witnessed birth and life in my children and loved ones, I can’t help but acknowledge the heavenly joys to be found in both. It can be hard to acknowledge the beauty found in death, and yet by observing the natural world, it seems obvious. As Christians, the promise of the Resurrection is the great hope of eternal life and happiness.
Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection all reflect the glory of God.
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.
This cycle begins, naturally, with Birth, and (on the same bead) ends in the Resurrection. Our starting point, as our ending point, is found in God’s love and comfort.
I hope this simple devotion is helpful!
Crucifix:Â
Glory to the Father of our Birth,
Glory to the Son, Who conquered Death,
Glory to the Spirit, Life-sustaining,Â
Now and ever, worship and confess!
Invitatory:
Your eyes have seen my emptiness,Â
My life is in your book,
My death you know, and give me hope,
And all with just a look.
First Cruciform Bead:
Blessings, O Creation,
Praise Him all the earth!
Praise Him with the Dawn of Life,
And praise Him, O you Birth!
First Week:
Praise Him, all you newborns,
Praise Him, mothers eye,
Praise Him, all you hatchlings,Â
Praise Him while you cry,
Praise Him, crawl
Praise Him, walk
Praise Him, while you fly.
Second Cruciform Bead:
Blessings, O Creation,
Praise Him and delight!
Praise Him with your everyday,
And praise Him, O you Life!
Second Week:
Praise Him, all you saplings,
Praise Him, while you grow,
Praise Him, all you whitest doves,
Praise Him, every crow,
Praise Him, work,
Praise Him, play,
Praise Him, e’er you go.
Third Cruciform Bead:
Blessings, O Creation,
Praise Him with your rest!
Praise Him with your final hour,
And praise Him, O you Death!
Third Week:
Praise Him, blackest soil,
Praise Him, birds of prey,
Praise Him, all you mushrooms,
Praise Him, all decay,
Praise Him, rust,
Praise Him, dust,
Praise Him, where you lay.
Fourth Cruciform Bead:
Blessings, O Creation,
Sing praise and rise again!
Praise Him at the Resurrection,
Praise Him and ascend!
Fourth Week:
Praise Him, all you people,
Praise Him, and believe,
Praise Him, all creation,
Praise Him, you who grieve,
Praise Him, rise,
Praise Him, walk,
Praise Him, even breathe.
Final Cruciform Bead:
Blessings, O Creation,
In Birth and in your Life,
In Death and Resurrection,
Ascended to the light!
Benediction (To be recited on the Invitatory Bead):
O Father, from our own first cry, a hymn we all have sung,
To praise your Name and give you thanks that Life has now begun,
And though we are ordained to die, we long to rise again,
And breathe the air of Heaven with the One who never ends.
Crucifix:
Glory to the Father of our Birth,
Glory to the Son, Who conquered Death,
Glory to the Spirit, Life-sustaining,Â
Now and ever, worship and confess!
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!