Known as the “Lorica of St. Patrick” or the “Breastplate of St. Patrick,” this ancient Christian hymn is a powerful prayer attributed to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The prayer is believed to have been composed by St. Patrick as a form of spiritual protection and an invocation of God’s presence in times of difficulty and danger. Each line of the prayer is rich with symbolism and meaning, reflecting the courage, faith, and devotion of St. Patrick himself.
One of the most famous versions of the “Prayer To St Patrick Breastplate” is as follows:
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.
Discovering the Power of the St Patrick Breastplate Prayer
1
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
2
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me.
3
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.
4
I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
5
I arise today
Through the power of St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer,
To protect me against every evil and danger,
To guide me in the right path,
And to strengthen my faith in God’s divine presence and protection.
6
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” – Deuteronomy 20:4
Interpreting the Symbolism and Meaning Behind Each Line
5 Practical Ways to Interpret the Symbolism and Meaning Behind Each Line in “Prayer To St Patrick Breastplate”
1. Seek Protection Through Faith
In the first line of the prayer, ”I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,” we are reminded of the power of the Holy Trinity in our lives. This line encourages us to start our day with a strong foundation of faith, seeking protection and guidance from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Just as the Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
2. Put on the Armor of God
The next line, “I arise today through the love of cherubim,” can be interpreted as putting on the armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18. By invoking the love of the cherubim, we are symbolically suiting up with the spiritual armor to protect ourselves from the struggles and temptations of the world.
3. Embrace God’s Creation
When we say, “I arise today through the obedience of angels,” we are acknowledging the role of angels in God’s creation. This line can be a reminder for us to embrace the beauty and wonder of God’s handiwork around us, honoring the obedience and service of angels as messengers of His divine will.
4. Find Strength in Praise
“I arise today through the voice of the archangels” signifies the power of praise and worship in our lives. Just like how the archangels praise God in Heaven (Revelation 5:11-12), we can find strength and courage by lifting our voices in adoration and thanksgiving, aligning our hearts with His heavenly hosts.
5. Walk in Light and Truth
The line ”I arise today through the word of God” emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and truth of His Word. As Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” By grounding ourselves in the truth of Scripture, we can navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose, following the path that God has set before us.
Incorporating the Prayer Into Daily Spiritual Practices
1. “I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.”
Incorporating prayer into daily spiritual practices is a powerful way to start each day with a sense of connection to the divine. Beginning the day by reciting the “Prayer to St. Patrick Breastplate” reminds us of the strength and power of the Holy Trinity, guiding us through our daily journey with faith and conviction.
2. “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.”
As we go about our daily tasks and responsibilities, incorporating this prayer helps us remember the sacrifice and triumph of Christ, drawing strength from His life, death, and resurrection. Through this prayer, we are reminded of the eternal love and grace that surrounds us each day.
3. “I arise today through the strength of the love of angels, obedience of archangels, the service of the seraphim, the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, the prayers of patriarchs, predictions of prophets, preaching of apostles, faith of confessors, innocence of holy virgins, deeds of righteous men.”
allows us to acknowledge the presence and guidance of angels, saints, and holy beings surrounding us at all times. This prayer serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our journey, as we are supported and protected by the heavenly host.
4. “I arise today through the strength of heaven, the light of the sun, the radiance of the moon, the splendor of fire, the speed of lightning, the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea, stability of the earth, firmness of rock.”
Reciting this prayer grounds us in the beauty and majesty of creation, helping us to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the elements that sustain us each day. As we incorporate this prayer into our daily routine, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all life and the divine presence in every corner of the earth.
5. “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
By incorporating this prayer into daily spiritual practices, we invite Christ’s presence to surround us in every moment of our day, guiding us in times of joy and sorrow, in moments of stillness and chaos. This prayer serves as a constant reminder of Christ’s unconditional love and protection, enveloping us with His grace and peace.
6. “I bind unto myself the name, the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the three in one, the 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.”
Incorporating this final prayer into our daily spiritual practices helps us to affirm our faith in the Holy Trinity and the eternal salvation offered through Christ. By binding ourselves to the divine name and essence of the Trinity, we affirm our connection to the source of all life and creation, finding strength and purpose in our daily journey.
Finding Strength and Protection Through the St Patrick Breastplate Prayer
1. “I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.”
This prayer from the St Patrick Breastplate emphasizes the power of the Holy Trinity and the belief in God as the creator of all things. It reminds us that we can find strength in the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. “I arise today through the strength of Christ with His baptism, through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension.”
This prayer highlights the power we can draw from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder that we can find protection in the sacrifice and victory of our savior.
3. “I arise today through the strength of love of cherubim, in the obedience of angels, in the service of archangels, in the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, in the prayers of patriarchs, in predictions of prophets, in preachings of apostles, in faiths of confessors, in innocence of holy virgins, in deeds of righteous men.”
This prayer emphasizes the support we receive from the heavenly hosts, the saints, and the faithful who have gone before us. It encourages us to draw strength from the examples of those who have lived their lives in service to God.
4. “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
This prayer highlights the all-encompassing presence of Christ in our lives. It reminds us that we are never alone and that we can find strength and protection in the constant companionship of our Lord and Savior.
5. “I bind unto myself the Name, the strong Name of the Trinity; by invoking the same, the Three in One, and One in Three.”
This prayer reaffirms our commitment to God and our reliance on the power of the Holy Trinity. It serves as a declaration of our faith and trust in the protection and strength that come from uniting ourselves with the divine presence.
6. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2
This Bible verse reinforces the idea of finding strength and protection in God. It serves as a reminder that He is our ultimate source of security and defense in times of need.
As we conclude our exploration of the Prayer To St Patrick Breastplate, may we carry with us the protection and strength it offers. Let us remember to invoke the guidance of St. Patrick in times of fear and uncertainty, trusting in his intercession to shield us from harm. As we recite these powerful words, may we find peace in the knowledge that we are enveloped in the loving embrace of our heavenly Father. And may we walk forward with courage, knowing that we are never alone on this journey of faith.