Daily Primer — June 13, Koper — Slovenia

Through the transformative process of this material-metaphysical journey, the pilgrim experiences a continuous state of instability—between earth and heaven, between movement and place, between a process and its outcome. The very word ‘pilgrim’ encapsulates this status. In Latin, the peregrinus was the foreigner who abandoned the comfort of his or her home to literally ‘wander’ through the fields (per agra). Pilgrims are not simply foreigners because they often move through unfamiliar territories, but because, through their simultaneous inner-outer journey, they separate themselves from the ordinary—even if for a short time and at little physical distance.

Florilegium is the Medieval Latin word for bouquet, or more literally flowers (flos, flor-) which are gathered (legere). The word florilegium was used to refer to a compilation of writings, often religious or philosophical. These florilegium are literary flowers—beautiful words/prayers/thoughts I have gathered.  During my sabbatical they will give me something to ponder each day. — PHL.

God of the law at Sinai: you instruct us not to make idols, not to split our loyalties between you and all of our self-made gods.  You know that these idols will never make good on their promises and you desire for us not to become entangled with them.  Give us prudence in knowing the right paths.  Give us fortitude in enduring the hardships of the wilderness with you.  Lead us, Lord, so that we do not turn aside, and we for our part will trust that you know what is good and that you are merciful and that to follow you is to walk the way of the good life.  In the name of “the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.” Amen.

Even before we call on Your name
To ask You, O God
When we seek for the words to glorify You
You hear our prayer
Unceasing love, O unceasing love
Surpassing all we know

Glory to the Father
And to the Son
And to the Holy Spirit

Even with the darkness sealing us in
We breathe Your name
And through all the days that follow so fast
We trust in You
Endless Your grace, O endless Your grace
Beyond all mortal dream

Both now and forever
And unto ages and ages. Amen.