Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t until March, when we celebrate all things Irish, and here in Chicago we commemorate the saint by pouring orange dye into a green river, then marveling when it remains green—not exactly a miracle. Amid the
shamrocks, leprechauns, and pints of Guinness, few remember the remarkable story of Saint Patrick, but for me he exemplifies Jesus’ message in the Sermon on the Mount.
Patrick was not Irish. He was born in Britain but kidnapped when he was 16, sold as a slave, and shipped across the sea to Ireland. While a shepherd in a foreign land, he learned to commune deeply with Christ and trust him for his needs. His faith grew so strong that years later, after escaping from Ireland, he chose to return to bring the liberating message of Christ to the people who had enslaved him.
His unwavering faith and lack of fear make Patrick a vivid example of the life without anxiety that Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount. Rather than worrying about his life, Patrick recognized the presence of his Lord everywhere he went. This prayer, known as The Breastplate of Saint Patrick, captures his vision of God’s ever-present provision. Historians say the prayer was probably not written by Patrick but composed centuries later. Still, it captures the faith and courage of the saint, and I hope it inspires you to release your fears 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 down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man 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.
Daily Scripture
Matthew 6:25–34
Luke 12:32–34
Weekly Prayer
From Ashton Oxenden (1808–1892)
God, I want your guidance and direction in all I do. Let your wisdom counsel me, your hand lead me, and your arm support me. I put myself into your hands. Breathe into my soul holy and heavenly desires. Conform me to your own image. Make me like my Savior. Enable me in some measure to live here on earth as he lived, and to act in all things as he would have acted.
Amen.