Bringing an Old Prayer into your New Life

Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

I bind unto myself this day the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same the Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever, by pow'r of faith, Christ's Incarnation;
his baptism in the Jordan river; his death on the cross for my salvation;
his bursting from the spic-ed tomb; his riding up the heav'nly way;
his coming at the day of doom: I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power of the great love of cherubim;
the sweet "Well done" in judgment hour; the service of the seraphim;
confessors' faith, apostles' word, the patriarchs' prayers, the prophet's scrolls;
all good deeds done unto the Lord, and purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heav'n,
the glorious sun's lifegiving ray, the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free, the whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea, around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead,
his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to hearken to my need;
the wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward;
the word of God to give me speech, his heav'nly host to be my guard.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name, the strong name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three;
of whom all nature has creation, eternal Maker, Spirit, Word;
praise to the God of our salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.

St. Patrick's Breastplate, 5^th Century