From my book A Calendar of Classic Prayer, beautiful words from the Celtic tradition that continue to echo across the centuries, and chime with us today.
Background
One of the most celebrated prayers of all time is that of St Patrick (sometimes known as St Patrick’s Breastplate). A simple and all-embracing expression of trust, it has inspired countless generations of believers, speaking powerfully for them in turn. Here are the opening stanzas – a memorable prayer in themselves.
Prayer
I arise today
through a mighty strength,
the invocation of the Trinity,
through the belief in the threeness,
through confession of the oneness of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today
through the strength of Christ’s birth with his baptism,
through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
through the strength of his descent for the judgement of Doom.
I arise today
through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
in obedience of angels,
in the service of archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in prayers of patriarchs,
in predictions of prophets,
in preaching of apostles,
in faith of confessors,
in innocence of holy virgins,
in deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
through the strength of heaven:
light of sun,
radiance of moon,
splendour of fire,
speed of lightning,
swiftness of wind,
depth of sea,
stability of earth,
firmness of rock.
Amen.