Steph 18/04/2024

This week I’ve been inspired by a prayer of St. Patrick. 
Here are some excerpts from his prayer, sometimes called the shield of St Patrick as it is a prayer for protection (lorica) before setting out on a journey:
 
I arise today through
The strength of heaven,
Light of the sun,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightening,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the 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…
 
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…