The Prophet Elijah
The Prophet Elijah is an important symbolic figure for Carmelites. He encountered God in mystery and silence on the mountain, and in the presence of holiness, he covered his face. Elijah defended the Lord against the prophets of Baal with great courage and humour. His journey led him through deserts and to the ascent of mountains. Above all, Elijah was wholehearted in his service of God. His words ‘with zeal I have been zealous for the Lord God of Hosts’ are the Carmelite motto.
Carmelites honour Elijah as a saint. The following prayer is from the Discalced Carmelite Proper for his feast:
Almighty, ever-living God,
Your prophet Elijah our Father
Lived always in your presence
And was zealous for the honour due to your name.
May we, your servants,
Always seek your face
And bear witness to your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
