“The Deer’s Cry”

If you know someone

… who is making a pilgrimage,

… who is headed out on a new (ad)venture,

… who is danger

… who has been ambushed by something in life that threatens to destroy them,

send them a copy of “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” – or refer them to a song called, “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 anear,
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 every one who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me.

I arise today.

Tags: St. Patrick's Breastplate, The Deer's Cry