St. Patrick

Most American Christians are unaware of the true story of St. Patrick. He was one of the greatest missionaries of all time, evangelizing all of Ireland, and then training up leaders who went to a Europe that had fallen into the Dark Ages after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Patrick's disciples re-evangelized all of Europe. This certainly gives us a REAL reason to celebrate!

Patrick is no leprechaun. He stands in history as the apostle to Ireland, just as Paul was an apostle. This March 17th, let's not forget the real Patrick. Kidnapped from his home and sold as a slave. He was called by God to take the name of Jesus and a hearty dose of forgiveness to his former captors. Used of God to start hundreds of churches and lead thousands of people to Christ. "Is it my own doing that I have holy mercy on the people who once took me captive?" said Patrick. "What I am I have received from God. And so I live among barbarians a stranger and exile for the love of God."

This is an excerpt of a prayer is often called "St. Patrick's Breastplate" because of those parts of it which seek God's protection. It is also sometimes called "The Deer's Cry" or "The Lorica".

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through the confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

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,
Through the strength of his descent for the Judgment Day.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

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.

Materials from our living books curriculum - St. Patrick - The Greatest Missionary of all Time.