Today is St. Patrick’s Day. It is a day to remember that at one time, all of Ireland and most of Western Europe had fallen into the dark ages. It was pagan, held in darkness by superstitions and the worship of nature.

Patrick’s work in Ireland to bring the gospel was difficult and dangerous, but it was amazing! It led to conversions that swept the entire island, even to the Irish king, Laohghaire.

I read a book (good time to read now) called How the Irish Saved Civilization. It was fascinating to say the least. But in light of the kinds of celebrations that we despise (all the green beer and drunkenness that marks this day) I thought you might enjoy reading an ancient prayer.

Some say the old Irish lyrics came from Patrick himself. This 5th-century prayer was put to music in 1890.

The Lorica (Breastplate) of St. Patrick

I arise today, through a mighty strength,

The invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation.

 

I arise today, through the strength of

Christ’s birth with His baptism,

Through the strength of

His crucifixion with His burial,

Through the strength of

His resurrection with His ascension,

Through the strength of

His descent for the judgment of doom.

 

I arise today, through the strength of

The love of cherubim,

In the obedience of angels,

In the service of archangels,

In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In the prayers of patriarchs,

In the predictions of prophets,

In the preaching of apostles,

In the faith of confessors,

In the innocence of holy virgins,

In the deeds of righteous men.

 

I arise today, through

The strength of heaven,

The light of the sun,

The radiance of the moon,

The splendor of fire,

The speed of lightning,

The swiftness of wind,

The depth of the sea,

The stability of the earth,

The firmness of rock.

 

I arise today, through

God’s strength to pilot me,

God’s might to uphold me,

God’s wisdom to guide me,

God’s eye to look before me,

God’s ear to hear me,

God’s Word to speak for me,

God’s hand to guard me,

God’s shield to protect me,

God’s host to save me,

From snares of devils,

From temptation of vices,

From everyone who shall wish me ill,

Afar and near.

 

I summon today, all these powers

Between me and those evils,

Against every cruel and merciless power

That may oppose my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul.

 

Christ to shield me today,

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that there may come to me

An abundance of reward.

 

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 in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

 

Why not use this difficult season we are all facing as the ignition to light a fuse that will revolutionize our ways of thinking about this. Is God in control? YES. Does He love us? YES. Will He save and provide and guide and protect us? YES, YES, YES, YES!

Fill your mind with His Word, your mouth with faith-filled praise. Each situation commit to Him in prayer.

He is with us, what have we to fear?

 

“Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13