Saint Patrick's Breastplate

Ascribed to Saint Patrick (ca. 389-461)

Commemoration, March 17

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 me and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in the hearts of all that love me, Christ in the 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 hath creation:

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord. Amen.

Hail, Glorious Saint Patrick

Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! We honor thy name, tho' Erin may claim thee, the world knows thy fame. The faith of our fathers is our treasure, too. How holy the thought, that they learned it from you. Thru crosses and trials its fire bum bright, they show us the way, and the truth, and the light. Great Saint! Intercede that we always may be devoted and loyal, true children of thee. Our love and devotion be ever like thine, our thought be of Jesus, our heart be His shrine. And when to the end of life's path we have trod, be near us great bishop, anointed of God.