As I still snack on my Irish Soda Bread (yum), I also am still pondering part of St. Patrick’s prayer – good for more than just on St Patrick’s Day. My decorations might have disappeared quickly, but my devotion to the Lord should be life long. Really it is a recipe for strengthening and a recipe for Life – all the ingredients added – all from God into the mix.

St Patrick’s many prayers include reference to a “breastplate” prayer – which I would imagine is good to have as you ride into battle – which we do in our own certain ways every day. And other versions call part of it the “Lorica” – which refers to a sheth or case – which I will add that we should remember to let the Lord encase us in His protection.

Here is a portion of the prayer to ponder – the first part – it is a great way to remind ourselves that our belief in the Lord will protect us. If we are believing then we have faith to carry us – then we have faith to protect us – then we have faith to keep our minds busy while the rest of the world is swirling around us – let us keep our faith on our lips and our hope in our hearts.

Part 1 of the poem:

I arise today – 

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation.

I arise today – 

Through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection and 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 service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In preachings of the apostles, In faiths of confessors, In innocence of virgins, In deeds of righteous men.

(to be continued tomorrow – keep praying and being strengthened – keep riding with the Lord!)

And the recipe for the Irish Soda Bread!