The Lorica of Rising Hearts

The original title of Ancient Whispers was The Lorica of Rising Hearts. It was self published until a review from Ray Simpson and an email from him telling me to get in touch with Anamchara books came through. For which I am forever grateful.

The Lorica prayer, rooted in Celtic Christianity, is a protective prayer often called a “breastplate” prayer, invoking divine strength and shielding against spiritual and worldly challenges. It is a deeply poetic and powerful form of prayer, weaving together profound imagery of creation, faith, and the Trinity to envelop the one praying in a sacred, protective presence. This type of prayer reflects the Celtic tradition’s intimate connection with God through nature and the everyday, offering a heartfelt affirmation of trust in God’s encompassing care.

Here is The Lorica of Rising Hearts Prayer from my book Ancient Whispers

The original review from Ray Simpson

The Lorica of Rising Hearts: Rediscovering Celtic Wisdom and the Transformative Power of Prayer by Rob Chapman

The glorious prayers in this book by Explorer Rob Chapman aim to  ‘create a sanctuary of solace and inspiration where the ancient whispers of Celtic spirituality could awaken the dormant embers within your soul’.

The book has prayers for morning, noon and night, Caim (that is Circling) Prayers,  and prayers with brief biographies of nine Celtic saints, including Saints Aidan, Brigid and David.

Ancient Lorica Prayers likened invocations to Divine Wisdom to the putting on of armour when attacked. In this book they surround the reader with a shield of faith, love and courage, awakening their senses to the sacred presence around and within.

Rob’s background is in alternative therapies, not church, so the prayers are devoid of traditional Christian vocabulary, yet he starts each section with a quote from the Bible.  He addresses prayers to ‘the Guiding Light’, ‘the Divine Gardener of souls’, ‘the Divine Mirror’,  ‘O Compassionate Heart’ and so on. He calls the book ‘an anthem that powers and inspires the younger generation to rise above their fears and embrace their roles as agents of positive change.’

His prayer to Aidan includes the following: ‘Model of simplicity and compassion, Guide us to see the needs of others, inspire us to offer kindness and hospitality, And help us to share the love of Christ in tangible ways. Saint Aidan, pray for us.’

The foreword by Lynn Galliano refers to her meeting Rob in a zoom gathering of Community of Aidan and Hilda friends.

Ray Simpson.