#minne

Coffret (Minnekästchen), Upper Rhineland, Germany, ca. 1325–50

I love Episcopal compline. I find it incredibly meaningful to pray before bed, especially in a group, and it brings me such comfort and joy. Recently, I found a version that is used on Episcopal prayer beads, and decided I wanted to alter it to fit the rosary. I've been trying to pray it nightly for Lent, and I swear I can feel God tuck me in when I do!

The Crucifix:

Make the sign of the cross and pray a "Glory Be", followed by this introductory prayer: Guide us in waking, O Lord, and guard us while sleeping. The Lord almighty grant us a quiet and perfect end.

The Beads Leading to the Medal:

On the next bead, pray the 'Our Father', followed by this prayer, once on each of the 'Hail Mary' Beads: "May God’s love surround us as we sleep and dream." After that, on the 'Glory Be' bead, finish with: "O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us."

The Decades:

Each decade goes as follows: The 'Our Father' is replaced with: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Loving God, I remember a time today when I could not seem to find you. Loving God, I remember a time today where you were very findable." and then finishes with an: "Our Father..." The 10 small 'Hail Mary' beads are replaced with: "Keep me as the apple of your eye,; hide me under the shadow of your wings." And finish on the 'Glory Be' bead with: "O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us."

The Closing:

On the final closing medal, we pray: "Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised. For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace"

Soy la oscuridad que me consume en las noches de invierno, cuando las voces de afuera regresan a mi pensamiento, atrapándome en un laberinto. Llenando mi cabeza de miedos, de preguntas sin respuestas, y defectos que no puedo solucionar en este momento.

Soy, soy tanto que duelo, que arde en llamas mi pecho.

Soy aquello que temes llamar, pues quizá pueda encontrar paz.

Efimera Lunar Intemporal &

World No Alcohol Day

In 2008, at a meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA)—the decision making body of the World Health Organization (WHO)—in Geneva, Switzerland, a proposal was made by India for a global alcohol-free day to take place on Gandhi's birthday. The proposal was made by Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, India's Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. He said the purpose of the day was to draw attention to the health risks of the abuse of alcohol. The proposal was supported by 11 Southeast Asian countries.

The proposal came as part of a larger effort by the WHO to reduce alcohol-related problems. All member states—193 at the time—signed a resolution calling for a global strategy to address the issue to be developed over the next two years. It does not appear that World No Alcohol Day was officially adopted, but it has been observed by many, including the International Council of Nurses. Also, in May 2010, a global strategy (WHA63.13) was adopted by the WHA. It focused on ten areas for national action and four priority areas for global action.

How to Observe World No Alcohol Day

Observe the day by learning about the harmful effects of alcohol and raising awareness about these effects. According to the World Health Organization, there are 2.5 million alcohol-related deaths each year, and of these, 320,000 are of people between the ages of 15 and 29. The WHO has also said alcohol is the third leading cause of poor health around the world. Perhaps you could support groups that help people with alcohol addiction. If you want to celebrate the day in a more lighthearted manner, you could drink some alcohol-free cocktails (mocktails).