Christ as a Shield Overshadow (St. Patrick’s Breastplate)
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate, a Prayer of Protection, is traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick during his Irish ministry in the 5th century. Legend has it that Patrick sang this song when in ambush, and after singing it, those lying in ambush appeared to him to be wild deer with a fawn following them.
On this St. Patrick’s Day, and in these tumultuous times, we commend this prayer to you, along with an adaption from our friends at Red Door Church:
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 rise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the heart of everyone who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
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.
The Christ Canticle is adapted from Patrick’s prayer:
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me;
Christ beside me; on my left and my right.This day be within and without me,
Lowly and meek, yet all powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;
In the mouth of each who speaks unto me.This day be within and without me,
Lowly and meek, yet all powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield;
Christ beside me on my left and my right
