Fourth Sunday in Lent (3)

 

                                                                    Saint Patrick, by R W Goetting
St. Patrick's Prayer

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
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 way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
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 in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
 
Since today is the Feast of St. Patrick, I thought it only fitting to reflect on his best-known prayer sometimes called “Morning Prayer,” “St. Patrick’s Breastplate,” or “The Lorica.”  It is a popular prayer attributed to one of Ireland’s most beloved patron saints. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity.  More recent research suggests its author was anonymous. In any case, this prayer certainly reflects the spirit with which St. Patrick brought our faith to Ireland!

St. Patrick’s prayer always brings me back to Ephesians 6:11. Paul refers to putting on the “Armor of God” to fight sin and injustice.  This lesson is always one of my favourite lessons to teach in Sunday school, as it conjures up such powerful imagery.  The children can really grasp how God equips us for any battles or challenges we encounter.  We may not wear combat gear in our daily lives, but we can use St. Patrick's Breastplate as a reminder of our divine armor and protection against spiritual adversity.

I pray that as you journey through Lent, that you arise each day in the knowledge that Christ surrounds you -- and with Him as our pilot, shield and protector, what do we have to fear?

- Wendy Doherty