Pray- March 17, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 28:20b
A breastplate is a kind of shield that protects the body. Dating back to the 5th century, St. Patrick’s Breastplate wasn’t a physical shield, but rather a prayer. Today we often hear this prayer sung as a hymn, “I Bind Unto Myself Today.” The prayer of St. Patrick’s Breastplate invokes the power of the Holy Trinity.
One of the most beloved verses is:
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.
How might you pray St. Patrick’s Breastplate? You can listen to many different versions of the prayer sung as a hymn but we want you to make your own. Pray the verse above together, then stand up! Perhaps choose a buddy. Say the prayer again, but as you say the words, add motions that reflect what you are saying. If you want, pick your own music to accompany the prayer. If you want to go deeper, read or sing all seven of the verses!
Tags: Pray / Latest Posts