There is a line from the lectionary psalm for today that says: A shield before me is God (PS 7:11) which reminds me of St. Patrick’s famous Breastplate Prayer. I would be remiss if I did not honor my ancestors – including my parents – by praying at least part of it on this feast of Patrick, so I chose a few bits from the middle that speak most powerfully to me today.
I bind to myself today the power of heaven, the light of the sun, the brightness of the moon, the splendor of fire, the flashing of lightning, the swiftness of wind, the depth of sea, the stability of earth, the compactness of rocks.
I bind to myself today God’s Power to guide me, God’s Might to uphold me, God’s Wisdom to teach me, God’s Eye to watch over me, God’s Ear to hear me, God’s Word to give me speech, God’s Hand to guide me, God’s Way to lie before me, God’s Shield to shelter me, God’s Host to secure me…
Happy Feast of St. Patrick to all!
The Sophia Center for Spirituality 