St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer & the Bracelet It Inspired

As we step into the vibrant month of March, a season filled with the promise of spring, I’m super excited to share something that’s not just close to my heart, and proof that prayer is powerful, but also deeply woven into the fabric of this month’s celebration—St. Patrick's Day, and it's the story behind our March small-batch bracelet of the month, inspired by the ancient and powerful St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer.

So, here’s a little backstory:    St. Patrick, known as the Apostle of Ireland, was a pretty brave guy. Imagine wandering around a largely pagan island back in the fifth century, spreading the Good News of Christ.

In the 5th century, Ireland was not just a land of green and of ancient traditions but also a fiercely protective society, wary of external influences and steadfast in the defense of its cultural and religious identity. The pagan Irish and their Druids viewed the introduction of Christianity not merely as a spiritual challenge but as a direct threat to their way of life, which was deeply intertwined with their polytheistic beliefs, rituals, and the natural world—and they were willing to defend their culture to the death.

But here’s where it gets even more fascinating. St. Patrick had this prayer of protection, kind of like his own spiritual armor, which he recited daily. Stories say that this prayer was so potent that it could transform him and his followers into deer in the eyes of their enemies, or at least, make them appear as deer to the pagan army, so they could pass by safely. This miraculous event is why the prayer is also known as "The Deer's Cry."

Isn’t that just the coolest thing? It’s like divine camouflage! 

With their unwavering faith and help from the Breastplate Prayer, St. Patrick and his crew ultimately converted the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. And the King gave St. Patrick official permission to preach Christianity throughout Ireland.

St. Patrick’s fearless faith and trust in God’s protection is something that just blows me away. He even said, "For daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises. But I fear nothing, because of the promises of Heaven; for I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God, who reigns everywhere."

Now, bringing it back to today, why am I telling you all this? Because this prayer, this ancient cry for God’s protection and presence, is what inspired our March Bracelet of the Month—St. Patrick Prayer bracelet.

The St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer is like our daily spiritual armor. It’s a powerful call to wrap ourselves in the presence and protection of Christ, entrusting our difficulties to Him and believing that He will protect us.

In today's world, we might not wear combat gear, but this prayer, much like March's Bracelet of rich green malachite natural stone beads, serves as divine armor against the challenges of life. It’s a tangible reminder to "Let Go. Let God." by surrendering our struggles to Christ and trusting in His victory.

This isn’t just any bracelet;  It's a whisper of protection, and a testament to the beauty of believing. It’s there to remind you to invite Christ into every aspect of your life, trusting in His protection, especially during those tough times we all face—be it a challenging work day, a conflict, or any major life decision.

The short version of the St Patrick Breastplate prayer, included with each bracelet on a special card, serves as a daily reminder of the divine protection and guidance that envelopes us.   In every stanza, Christ is centered, reminding us of the strength we derive from His omnipresence—"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me..."

  

St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer

As I arise today,

may the strength of God pilot me,

the power of God uphold me,

the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,

the ear of God hear me,

the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,

the way of God lie before me,

the shield of God defend me,

the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me 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,

Christ when I stand, Christ in the

heart of everyone 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.

~Amen

  

This March, as we embrace the themes of renewal and protection, let’s also carry with us the strength, courage, and faith of St. Patrick and reflect on the profound message of the St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer. Let it guide us to recognize Christ's presence in every moment of our lives, from the rising sun to the moon's gentle glow. 

Let this bracelet be a daily reminder of the power of prayer and the protection it offers. It’s more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of faith, a piece of spiritual armor, and a connection to the divine protection that guided St. Patrick and can guide us too.

As always, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your spiritual journey. Your support not only enriches our community but also enables us to continue creating pieces that inspire and uplift. Let us celebrate this month with joy, faith, and the enduring hope that comes from a life lived in the presence of God's love.

Blessings and joy to you all this March, as we remember the enduring words of St. Patrick and carry them with us, wrapped around our wrists and engraved in our hearts.

🙏💕 Marissa

 

The Longer Version of the St. Patrick Breastplate Prayer is below.

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 the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,

Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,

Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today

Through the strength of the love of cherubim,

In the obedience of angels,

In the service of archangels,

In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In the prayers of patriarchs,

In the predictions of prophets,

In the preaching of apostles,

In the faith of confessors,

In the innocence of holy virgins,

In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through

The strength of heaven,

The light of the sun,

The radiance of the moon,

The splendor of fire,

The speed of lightning,

The swiftness of wind,

The depth of the sea,

The stability of the earth,

The firmness of 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 shield to protect me,

God's host to save me

From snares of devils,

From temptation of vices,

From everyone who shall wish me ill,

afar and near.

I summon today

All these powers between me and those evils,

Against every cruel and merciless power

that may oppose my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;

Christ to shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

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.

Amen