Readings and prayer for the first leg of the Fife Pilgrim Walk - Culross to Dunfermline (4th August)

Introduction:

St Serf is a foundational figure of the early church in the Forth valley. Based at his monastery in Culross, he was a teacher and missionary, where he influenced Kentigern or Mungo.

The stories of Serf are filled with the whimsical spirit of Celtic myth: he was said to have turned water into wine and even defeated a dragon that was terrorising the people of Dunning.

Historically, Serf represents the early Christian influence in the Pictish territories. He established several "cells" and schools, creating a stable religious presence before the arrival of the later Iona missions.

He remains a symbol of the early pioneers of the Faith in our land, those who nurtured the next generation of saints and established the first centres of learning in the wilderness.

The journey today is to Dunfermline. It was where Saint Margaret of Scotland established the crossing of the Forth, hence Queensferry, for pilgrims on their way to St Andrews.

St Margaret’s story is a beautiful accompaniment to faith, particularly for those in leadership; she proves that one can be powerful in the world while remaining radically humble before God.

May your journey today, in the path of the Saints, with the encouragement of Serf and Margaret, nourish your souls, and bring glory to Jesus Christ.

The Lesson – Ephesians 4: 4-9 (NRSV):

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Prayers / Collects:

The Collect for St Serf of Culross: O God, who didst call thy servant Serf to be a light in the dark places of Fife and a father to the fatherless: Grant that we, being inspired by his compassion and his zeal for the Gospel, may ever be ready to welcome the stranger and to nurture the faith of the generations to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect for St Margaret of Scotland: O God, who didst call thy servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance thy heavenly kingdom, and didst give her a heart of love for the poor and a zeal for thy Church: Grant that we, after her example, may seek thy will in all things and serve thee in the persons of those in need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.