Slaves,
obey your – according to the flesh- lords
with fear and trembling
with sincerity in your hearts
as Christ,
not according to ‘eye-service’
or as people-pleasers
but as slaves of Christ
doing the will of God,
from the soul,
with wholehearted service
as to the Lord, and not humans.
-knowing that each person
if they do something good,
will be received by the Lord
whether slave or free.

And the Lords,
do the same to them,
stopping using threats,
knowing that
over them and over you
is the same Lord in heaven
and there is no favouritism with him.

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