A Canticle prayer

Many of the prayers associated with St. Patrick have a wonderful and unique approach to prayer, faith, and the world. The following is famous one, adapted from St, Patrick’s “Breastplate Prayer” and used as part of daily morning prayer and devotion  by the Northumbria Community in Scotland.

Christ, as a light
illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield
overshadow me.
Christ under me;
Christ over me;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;
in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light;
Christ as a shield;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.

Note how the prayer focuses on Christ’s presence . It may seem unusual to describe and prayer that Christ be present in your life this way, but it matches the Greek phrase used by Paul of Tarsus when he describes being “in Christ.” We might often think of “being in Christ” as merely being devoted to him, or belonging to his people (like we might be part of a business or a social club). But this is not what the phrase means in Greek.

The Greek particle used by Paul has the sense of being ‘located,’ much like we might say “I am in my house” or “I am in a restaurant.” It is your location in space and time—your are “in” it, it surrounds you, everything you see, taste, smell, hear, feel, is located in that place. 

As you offer this prayer, image be located “in Christ” in that manner—space, time, and senses.