St. Patrick’s Breastplate Read By Scott Humston

I’ve started many mornings during the last fifteen years with this prayer. Originally attributed to St. Patrick (yes, that St. Patrick) in the year 433 A.D. Although some scholars believe it was written later, by whom, exactly is still unknown. In either case, it is centuries old and a strong prayer of protection and comfort.

Listen, repeat, pray it…however you may wish to mediate on the words.

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’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 of Doom. 

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. 

I arise today 

Through God’s strength to pilot me: 

Against craft of idolatry, 

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May it be a blessing to you.

Sharing His Wonder,