St. Patrick’s Breastplate

There is an old tale, more of a fireside story than anything else about St. Patrick.  The story goes that Patrick and his followers were travelling to Tara to spread God’s message.  Enemies gathered in the wood, planning on stopping him by attacking through an ambush.  The story says that Patrick prayed a prayer of protection and that the enemy saw not Patrick and his followers go by, but a small herd of deer.  Thus, the prayer song has also been known as the Deer’s Cry. 

I arise today

Through the strength of Heaven 

Light of sun 

Radiance of moon 

Splendour of fire 

Speed of lightning 

Swiftness of wind 

Depth of the sea 

Stability of earth 

Firmness of rock

I arise today

Through Gods strength to pilot me

Gods eye to look before me 

Gods wisdom to guide me 

Gods way to lie before me 

Gods shield to protect me

From all who shall wish me ill 

Afar and a near 

Alone and in a multitude 

Against every cruel 

Merciless power 

That may oppose my body and soul

Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ in me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me, 

Christ on my right, Christ on my left, 

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, 

Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me 

I arise today

My alarm clock will go off, I have to get out of bed.  These words sometimes greet me in the morning as the sleep fades and the smells of coffee are lingered over.  I love the gentle reminder of the words, the strength in that we are not alone and need not rely on ourselves for strength to face the day.  Instead, relying on God, we gain strength and wisdom to move through the day.  Then, in turn when we can be transparent about this, we show God to others, we can be useful to him in his works here on earth.