Today is St. Patrick's day, a day that many of us only know as a day to eat corned beef and cabbage and exchange cards emblazoned with green shamrocks, both of which probably have absolutely nothing to do with the real Patrick who helped establish Christianity in Ireland in the third century.
Many of us are familiar too with Patrick's Breastplate, the best known of the prayers attributed to Patrick. I wrote about that beautiful prayer last year so I thought I would share another of his prayers this year.
Prayer for the Faithful
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil one.May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.
If you would like to read more beautiful Celtic prayers check out the Carmina Gadelica.
Christine Sine is executive director of Mustard Seed Associates and author of several books including GodSpace: Time for Peace in the Rhythms of Life
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