Prayer of St. Patrick

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 who love me;
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One, and One in Three.

I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need;
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The Word  of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.


Note:  I put a simple tune to this prayer, and it has been running through my head for the last couple months.  I find this prayer very strengthening in that it reminds me of Christ's presence with us, always and everywhere, giving concrete examples.  What is there to fear when Christ is always with us?  Just believe.  Walk by faith, not by sight.  Christ is with us to strengthen us and grant us wisdom through His grace. God is our Father, the Son is our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit is with us to help us persevere, giving us courage and strength to work for God.