Monday, March 4, 2013

St. Patrick's Day Approaches

We are a few weeks away from St. Patrick's Day and I thought I would make a quick yet another mention of the great Saint's prayer. I have posted portions of the prayer here before. One thing we know of course is that Saint Patrick lived a desperate life. He feared for his own life and those of his church for good reason. The Ireland of Saint Patrick was not a peaceful place. And when I think of Saint Patrick I don't think of the party-hardy modern aspects of his day, I think of a desperate man who prayed very hard. I will enjoy a Harp and having a traditional meal with my family, and listening to my daughter sing a nice Irish song that day, but the strongest connection I have with Saint Patrick is prayer. He may not have written it word for word as we know it, but what we have is certainly inspired by him in every way.

In the prayer, St. Patrick asks for more than help, he asks to be surrounded by Christ from all sides.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me.
Christ below me, Christ above me.
Christ at my right, Christ at my left.
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height.



May God protect you and be with you always.


One version of Saint Patrick's Prayer/BreastplateLorica.