The Shield of St. Patrick

We bind unto ourselves today the strong name of the Trinity,

by invocation of the same, the Three in One, the One in Three.

We bind this day to us forever by power of faith Christ's Incarnation,

his baptism in the Jordan river,

his death on the cross for our salvation;

his bursting from the spiced tomb,

his riding up the heavenly way,

his coming at the day of doom we bind unto ourselves today.

We bind unto ourselves today the power of God to hold and lead,

his eye to watch, his might to stay,

his ear to harken to our needs,

the wisdom of our God to teach,

his hand to guide, his shield to ward,

the Word of God to give us speech,

his heavenly host to be our guard.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me;

Christ to comfort and restore me;

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

We bind unto ourselves the name, the strong name of the Trinity,

by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three,

of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word;

praise to the God of my salvation,

salvation is of Christ the Lord!

(Ireland, 5th cent.)