Christ With Me - A Prayer of St. Patrick

 Below is an interesting article on the life of St. Patrick, and his role in bringing the gospel to the people of Ireland.  I have read several accounts of his life, and while there are a few contradictions, the main point seems to be that this man (who wasn't Irish) had a heart for sharing the Lord with a people that did not know Him, and risked much to do that.  So, instead of posting pics of shamrocks (which he supposedly used to teach the trinity), I thought I'd post an article that might open discussion in your family, as well as the "poem/hymn" below that is based on his personal writings.  Since so many are talking of wearing green today and there is much reference to drinking & partying in honor of this historical figure, I thought it was worth taking the topic and holiday in another direction. 

You can read the article here  .

Prayer of St. Patrick

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.



May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.

Christ 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 when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Amen

New Jerusalem

 It is so easy to be distracted by all the scary unrest in the world.  It can be difficult to find peace at times, looking at the unstable world situations, as our children are coming of age or will be in the near future.  Have I equipped them to navigate this mess?  Do I feel equipped?  Not really.  The only source of peace is to trust in the Lord and His sovereignty.   I know the Lord is on His throne, regardless of it all.  Everything passes through His hand.  The world stage is not unknown to Him nor is it a surprise.  This is a comfort in times of uncertainty.  And I am reminded that I am to continually prepare my heart and be on watch for His coming. 

 I was reading and thinking of the Church and end times and it reminded me of a beautiful song that my dear friend sang often (when we were young and would take guitars to the beach and watch the sunset and laugh and chat and sing to the Lord.)   It is a song by Jamie Owens Collins called New Jerusalem. It is a beautiful word picture of the Bride of Christ, waiting and watching and ready to meet her bridegroom, in the midst of the world chaos, knowing that He will come for her.

Listen carefully to the words.  Enjoy and be encouraged.