Hello Dear Ones, on this St. Patrick’s Day, as news of more deadly attacks upon Asian-Americans spreads, please receive this ancient prayer attributed to the patron saint of Ireland – a prayer calling upon the protection and healing power of Jesus Christ in all persons. Take care. Be safe. Keep your hearts opened to God’s Big Love.

“St. Patrick’s Lorica”* (excerpt)

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.

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 in the heart of every person who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through a belief in the Threeness, through a confession of the Oneness of the Creator of Creation.  Amen.

*”lorcia” is Latin for “breastplate;” this excerpt is from a much longer prayer; my adaptation. Portions of the prayer resonate with ancient prayers from many cultures, especially: “… with me, … before me, … behind me… (etc)”