Many of the ancient European pagans had customs of offering on a daily basis to the Hearth Fire. While we do not know for certain that this extended to the Celtic peoples of the era of ancient Druidism, there are certainly strong hints and echoes in the surviving customs and prayers associated with firetending and Brigit. The following prayer is a simple affirmation that can be accompanied by the lighting of a flame (whether in a fireplace or simply a candle) and the offering of the first portion of the meal or of incense or, if circumstances dictate, just the fuel of the candle itself or a libation poured out. As you light the flame and then make your offering, be sure to contemplate--or meditate on, if time and setting allow--the purposes of your prayer and of your sacrifice, in particular in what way you might re-commit yourself to study, piety and hospitality--or perhaps what they mean to you or who you are calling upon to support you in your commitments.
I kindle this flame
For the hearth
For the home
For the whole of the People
One flame for light
One flame for warmth
One flame to encircle us all
Earth under heaven
Heaven down to earth
This day and every day
May it be so
May I pray with a good fire
As the Ancestors have done in times before
I honor the Gods in the old ways
That my heart and my hearth may give cheer
To the light
To the warmth
To the circle of my fire
Be welcome all true Powers
Hear my prayer
May I be strengthened in the way of study
May I be strengthened in the way of piety
May I be strengthened in the way of hospitality
This my will
These my words
So my work
By this my offering
May it be so
This can be accompanied by additional offerings and/or oaths for the day, directed to one or more of the deities or ancestors...but remember that you are at the very least offering the fuel for the candle's flame and your time spent in pious activity.
Todd Covert - February 2007