We implore you
brothers and sisters,
to respect those
who work hard among you,
and watch over you in the Lord,
and admonish you,
and consider them with the greatest respect
in love
because of their work.
Live at peace among yourselves.
We encourage you, brothers and sisters,
to warn the ill-disciplined,
to encourage the low spirited,
to help the weak,
and to be patient towards all.
See that no-one pays back evil for evil,
but always pursue the good
for one another,
and for all.
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me
Be thou a smooth path below me
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me
Today – tonight -forever
Amen.
St Columba