Paidir an Ghrá ~ A Prayer of Love

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Narration: Michael McGowan, Violin: Kristin McGowan

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Grant us, Lord,
hearts that love You above all things,
minds that seek Your wisdom,
hands eager to serve,
and lips quick to bless.

Let charity overcome anger,
mercy overcome judgment,
and hope overcome despair.

Make us faithful in little things,
steadfast in suffering,
generous in kindness,
and joyful in Your service.

So may our lives become
a living hymn
to the glory of Christ.

Amen ~ Áiméan

May God's peace be with you ~ Go raibh síocháin Dé leat

 

About this Prayer

Paidir an Ghrá ("A Prayer of Love") is drawn from the rich spiritual tradition preserved in the Bangor Antiphonary, one of the earliest surviving collections of Irish Christian prayer. Compiled at Bangor Abbey in the seventh century, it reflects a faith that understood love not simply as a feeling, but as the very life of God at work within the human heart.

This prayer invites us to love as Christ loves—with humility, patience, compassion, and self-giving grace. It reminds us that the greatest calling of every Christian is to grow in love: for God, for our families, for our neighbors, and even for those who are difficult to love. In seeking this grace, we are asking God to shape our hearts after His own.

Whether prayed at the beginning of the day, before an act of service, or whenever you long to love more faithfully, Paidir an Ghrá is a quiet reminder that every act of genuine love reflects the presence of Christ in the world.

Read more: Discover the remarkable story of the Bangor Antiphonary and the community of Bangor Abbey that preserved this beautiful tradition of prayer: Read the full article.