It is said that Saint Patrick was kidnapped by slave traders when he was just 16 years old. He was taken from Britain to Ireland, where he worked as a slave for six years before escaping. Years later, in an amazing act of courage and faith, Patrick heeded God’s call to return to Ireland as a missionary, sharing the Gospel of Christ’s love even with those who earlier had imprisoned him.

Today, I leave you with a portion of a prayer that is attributed to him, entitled the “Lorica” or “The Deer’s Cry.” The early Christian Celtic spirituality in which Patrick was immersed is earthy. It affirmed Christ’s presence infused in all of creation, and it draws on this presence for protection. I invite you to read this slowly, reflect on these words, soak them in, and make them your own.

Let us pray:

For my shield this day:

A mighty power; the Holy Trinity!

Affirming three-ness, confessing one-ness,

In the making of all through love…

This day I call to me; God’s strength to direct me, God’s power to sustain me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s vision to light me, God’s ear to my hearing, God’s word to my speaking, God’s hand to uphold me, God’s pathway before me, God’s shield to protect me…

Christ beside me, Christ before me;

Christ behind me, Christ within me;

Christ beneath me, Christ above me;

Christ to right of me, Christ to the left of me;

Christ in my lying, my sitting, my rising;

Christ in heart of all who know me,

Christ on the tongue of all who meet me,

Christ in the eye of all who see me,

Christ in the ear of all who hear me.

May your salvation, Lord, be with us always. Amen.

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