Monday, March 17, 2008

The Deer Cry from St. Patrick's Breastplate

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 the sea
Stability of earth
Firmness of rock.


I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me.
God's eye to look before me
God's wisdom to guide me
God's way to lie before me

God's shield to protect me

From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and anear
Alone and in a multitude.


Against every cruel
Merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul


Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left.


Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me


I arise today.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Deer Cry
St Patrick's: 372–466 Breastplate
Anonymous 8th Century
Translated from Old Irish

Blessings and peace this St. Patrick's Day

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