“Christ, be 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 where I lie, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise, 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.
Salvation is of the Lord.”
– A portion of St. Patrick’s Breastplate
Though we are beyond St. Patrick’s Day, this prayer is always relevant, and I think particularly helpful now. I love this prayer, because it reminds me that Christ is our best source of protection. In any circumstance, God is our armor. He goes before us. He goes behind us. Even if we feel isolated, God is relentless in his relationship with us.
These words also motivate me to be more Christ-like in everything I do. “Christ in every eye that sees me. Christ in every ear that hears me” It is an inspiring reminder that every word of ours that is heard or read should reflect the spirit that lives within us. While we find a new normal, I pray we can remember to allow Christ to be the inspiration behind whatever we do.
Let us pray:God, thank you for always being near us. In times when we are discouraged, anxious, or lonely, please draw closer to us as we draw closer to you. Remind us to infuse your love and spirit into everything we create, say, and share. May your glory and light be spread throughout the world during this time, and allow us to be instruments in the process. Amen.
If you would like to hear a choral arrangement of this portion of St. Patrick’s Hymn, here is a lovely recording. It is a perfect lenten piece, that provides a space for contemplation and prayer on these words.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir3htl3UlBk
– Kerby