By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Prayer.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are daughters and sons of God.” -Romans 8:14
St. Patrick’s Day is known to be one of the most festive holidays of the year.
From wearing your best green outfit to enjoying parades and concerts to being with loved ones to eating Irish soda bread, corn beef and cabbage, St. Patrick’s Day is a highly anticipated holiday.
With all the festivities that take place, many people may not know the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day to Christians throughout the world.
St. Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He is also someone who has struggled with faith and even been taken as a prisoner. (1)
In his autobiography, Confession, Patrick shared his story.
“My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many. My father was Calpornius. He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae. His home was near there, and that is where I was taken prisoner. I was about sixteen at the time.” (1)
It was during his captivity that Patrick discovered his faith and became a priest. After fleeing captivity, Patrick set out on a mission to share his faith with others. (1)
He would end up being credited for evangelizing Ireland, planting several hundred churches, as well as baptizing thousands of people. (2)
Regardless of how you have observed this holiday in the past, this year St. Patrick’s Day will be different for all of us.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most St. Patrick’s Day events have been canceled, and people are being encouraged to stay home and practice social distancing.
Even though you may not be able to attend St. Patrick’s Day events this year, you can still celebrate the day with prayer.
The Prayer of St. Patrick (2)
I arise today through the strength of heaven;
light of the sun, splendor of fire, speed of lightning,
swiftness of the wind, depth of the sea,
stability of the earth, firmness of the rock.
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 for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me afar and anear, alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today against wounding
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 in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation.