this is a collect we pray before bed nightly:

Keep watch, dear Lord, for those who work or watch or weep this night, and give 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, and shield the joyous, and all for your loves’ sake. Amen.

tonight is no different, but i did ask a question: what do you think “shield the joyous” means?

i wonder about this phrase every time i say the prayer (it seems pretty self explanatory i know, but still), and so i wanted to see if the kids do too.

oren said, “shield the joyful people so they don’t get sad.”

seb said, “protect the people who are partying so they can party in peace and not be disturbed by some mean dude.”

my almost ten-year-old seemed to have a bill and ted’s excellent adventure moment. party on, dudes?

Posted on March 21st, 2013