NeuroDivine

This hymn is inspired by Psalm 141, the Church’s ancient evening prayer: “Let my prayer rise before you like incense.” Set in the landscape of Clonmacnoise, it joins the psalmist’s cry to the Shannon’s air and the long vigil of those who prayed on these stones before us. As night gathers, it asks Christ to guard our words, steady our steps, and keep us faithful until the coming of the dawn.

As always, if this hymn is useful to use in a parish, please do, but make sure I am credited.

Suggested tune: St Patrick 88 88 D

O Christ, receive our evening prayer,
as incense on the Shannon’s air;
like watchfires on the ancient height,
our lifted hands rise through the night.
Guard every word our hearts would speak,
keep watch upon the paths we seek;
for winds that sweep through Clonmacnoise
recall how fragile is our choice.

By Temple Connor’s steadfast stone,
where whispered prayers have long been sown,
teach us the wisdom of their ways,
their steadfast courage in your praise.
Let righteous counsel shape our days,
a kindly balm, a guiding blaze;
and when temptation’s tides increase,
set firm our feet in truth and peace.

Where at the Whispering Arch we stand,
your mercy meets us, close at hand;
you hold the weary and the worn,
you cradle hearts by sorrow torn.
So keep us safe from every snare,
from paths where truth grows thin and bare;
and lead us, as the monks before,
to rise in hope and walk once more.

Till dawn breaks over tower and field,
till morning’s gold on waters yield,
we trust your watchful, faithful care,
your steadfast love in midnight air.
O Christ, our refuge and our light,
receive the prayers we breathe tonight;
and guide us through the mists that rise
around the stones of Clonmacnoise.

Text copyright 2026 Michael McFarland Campbell. All rights reserved.