Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This has become a tradition here on the blog. Happy St. Patrick's Day -- remember it's much more than just green beer.

And yes, I know that this was probably not written by Patrick himself: most sources date it to the 8th century or so, which puts it long after Patrick's death in the mid to late 5th century. But it's an excellent example of Celtic Christian spirituality, and I think it's valuable for us to pay attention to their example - an example that has largely been ignored by the modern church.

About the Breastplate
The Breastplate, or Lorica, of St. Patrick was probably written in the mid to late 8th century. It is a prayer that was actually written in the style of an old Druid incantation for protection on a journey, but was clearly written by a Christian. It's sometimes called "The Deer's Cry" because of an early legend surrounding Patrick:

In the year 433, Patrick was aware that there was an ambush to try to kill him and his group en route to the King's court. The group began chanting the Lorica as they traveled. As the druids lay in hiding, ready to kill, they saw not Patrick and his men, but a deer (Patrick) and 20 fawns. St. Patrick and his men were saved.

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.

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,
through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.

I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim
in obedience of Angels, in the service of the Archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in 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.

I arise today, through the strength of Heaven:
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendour of Fire,
speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea,
stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.

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 secure me:
against snares of devils, against temptations of vices,
against inclinations of nature, against everyone who
shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils):
against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose
my body and my soul,
against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry,
against false laws of heretics, against craft of idolatry,
against spells of women [any witch] and smiths and wizards,
against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul.
Christ to protect me today
against poison, against burning, against drowning,
against wounding, so that there may come abundance of reward.

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 in breadth, Christ in length,
Christ in height, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

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.
Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of Christ. May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.