The lyrics of this song are attributed to a prayer by St. Patrick. Sometimes referred to as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate,” it is a beautiful prayer acknowledging God’s presence all around us, and inviting it into our lives. It also invites the life of Christ to fill up every part of our day, our body, and our spirit. (The words of the prayer were put to music by the Irish composer Shaun Davey, and sung by Rita Connolly.)
“I Arise Today (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 a-near,
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.