The Prayer of St. Patrick

Magonus Sucatus Patricius was the son of a prosperous Roman official who lived on a little farm on the western coast of the Roman Empire, today known as Britain. He was just a boy living a life of ease when he was captured by pirates and made a slave in Ireland.

For six long years, he tended the flocks of a rich, proud land owner named Milchu. Alone and away from the comforts of home, Patricius learnt to pray. He prayed day and night to a God he knew would never abandon him.

One night he heard a voice telling him that it was time to get ready to go home. Patricius made a miraculous escape and made the 200 mile journey to the sea where he managed to find safe passage home. His return was greeted by his family with much joy - as someone who had returned from the dead.

Although Patricius was glad to be home, he soon found himself feeling restless and unsettled. One night he dreamt of an Irishman handing him many letters with heading "The Voice of the Irish". When he woke up, he knew God was calling him back to Ireland.

In 432 AD, Patricius sailed back to Ireland and started the most amazing work of spreading the gospel, calling for social reform, educating his converts and ultimately changing the culture of an entire people. He constantly faced the danger of being killed by the Druid priests who held great power at that time.

Remarkable prayers came from this missionary, known today as St. Patrick. They are prayers for protection against the foes of the gospel, prayed in earnest in times of violent opposition and danger. Aptly called the 'breastplate prayers', it was St. Patrick's efforts to put on the armor of God.

This is one of his prayers:

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity
Through belief in the threeness
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation ... I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me
God's might to uphold me
God's wisdom to guide me
God's eye to look before me
God's ear to hear me
God's word to speak to me
God's hand to guard me
God's way to lie before me
God's shield to protect me
God's host to save me
From snares from the devils
From temptation of vices
From everyone who shall wish me ill
Afar and anear
Alone and in multitude.

(from the Prayer Devotional Bible)

Do you have on the Armour of God?