Orkney Islands - 20

Here we see part of the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge which is located 5 miles north east of Stromness on Mainland Orkney.



This is a magnificent circle of upright stones with an enclosing ditch spanned by causeways, dating to the late Neolithic period. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

The passage of the rays of sun around the circle helps to show the time of day - a theme taken up in our hymn for today.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Jan Struther (1901-1953)