As we arise on the morning of Saint Patrick’s Day, we are blessed with a beautiful Celtic Christian protection prayer known as The Deer’s Cry or Saint Patrick’s Breastplate prayer. This prayer is often sung and is a tune we can hum to ourselves throughout the day and always, reminding us that Christ is with us and within us.
When Sister Betty Daugherty and I were leading a series on Celtic Wisdom and prayer writing this past fall, she shared a beautiful version of the prayer recorded on the 1983 album The Pilgrim by composer Shaun Davey, with soloist Rita Connolly. (Check it out on YouTube.)
The Deer’s Cry
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 the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s eye to look before me
God’s wisdom to guide me
God’s way to lie before me
God’s shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and a-near
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel, merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul
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 down
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me
I arise today
As we hold this prayer and reflect on the many lovely images it brings up for us, it is apparent that the Celts were connected with the elements, as we are reminded in the lines:
Light of sun, radiance of moon
Splendor of fire, speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock
Which lines or images touch our hearts in particular? How do we recognize Christ within us? How does standing in the sun or feeling the wind on our skin strengthen and protect us? How does it feel to share this prayer and talk about it with loved ones?
Many blessings to you from Prairiewoods on this Saint Patrick’s Day and always!
—Angie Pierce Jennings, Prairiewoods hosted groups & hospitality coordinator