St. Patrick’s Breastplate

St. Patrick’s Breastplate is a prayer that many Christians still use today. It comes from a longer poem that is sometimes called a lorica, which means “armor.” The prayer asks for God’s protection and strength. It reminds us that we do not face the world alone. Christ is always with us.

This prayer is often connected to St. Patrick, the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland. Tradition says he wrote it while traveling through dangerous lands. Whether or not he wrote every word, the message fits what we know about him. He trusted God fully and preached with courage and hope.

The most well-known part of the prayer is sometimes called the “Christ With Me” section. It repeats a simple idea in many ways. Christ is with me. He is around me, above me, below me. He is in the people I meet. This gives comfort and strength, especially in times of fear or struggle.

This prayer helps us remember that God is not far away. He is close and active in our lives. When we feel alone or unsure, we can say these words and remember that Christ is beside us. Like a shield or armor, His presence helps us stand firm.

St. Patrick’s Breastplate comes from old Irish Christian tradition. It is a kind of prayer called a “lorica,” which means a piece of armor. People would say lorica prayers to ask for God’s help and safety. These prayers were common in early Ireland, where life could be hard and dangerous. The Breastplate is one of the best-known loricas.

Many believe that St. Patrick used this prayer during his mission in Ireland. One story says he prayed it while walking through the woods, trying to escape enemies. The words gave him courage and helped him keep going. Whether or not the story is exact, the prayer reflects strong faith in Christ’s presence and care.

The full prayer is long and has many parts. It speaks of the Trinity, the life of Christ, angels and saints, and the power of nature. It calls on God’s strength in every part of life. But the most famous part is near the end. This is the “Christ with me” section. It repeats the same message over and over for impact.

The prayer is written in a rhythm that makes it easy to remember. It flows like a song or poem. That’s why people still use it today. It can be said in full or just the short part. Either way, the words remind us that Christ surrounds us, like armor for the soul.

The St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer connects well with Scripture and Catholic teaching. It speaks clearly of Christ’s closeness and power. This matches the message of Romans 8:38-39, where St. Paul says that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. It also reflects the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always.”

This prayer is also a strong tool for catechesis. It teaches about the Trinity, the life of Christ, and God’s protection. It shows how we can turn to God in every part of life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “In the New Covenant, prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father” (CCC 2565). The Breastplate reminds us that prayer is not just asking for things. It is living with Christ every day.

In youth ministry, this prayer can help young people grow in trust. It teaches them that faith is not only in the mind, but also in the way we walk through each moment. It offers a simple pattern to follow. It repeats the truth that Jesus is always near.

Young people today face many challenges. This prayer gives them a strong image of safety. Christ before them, behind them, and within them. When used in youth groups or retreats, it can help them feel brave, even in times of doubt or fear. It is a prayer of courage and steady hope.

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.

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.

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.

More About St. Patrick

March 17 marks the Feast of St. Patrick, a day celebrated worldwide, not just as a tribute to Irish heritage but also in honor of St. Patrick himself, the patron saint of Ireland, engineers, and paralegals. St. Patrick’s legacy is rich and multifaceted; he is most famously credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and using the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, as a simple yet profound tool to explain the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This method of teaching showcases his innovative approach to spreading the Christian faith.

To truly appreciate the depth of St. Patrick’s impact, it’s worth exploring his life story, from his capture and enslavement as a young man to his return to Ireland as a missionary. Understanding St. Patrick’s contributions can inspire us to find creative ways to share our own beliefs and values.

More Catholic Prayers

The St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer is just one of many prayers shared on our Catholic Prayers page. This page is a helpful place to explore different ways to talk with God. Whether you are looking for short daily prayers or traditional ones like this, you will find something to use.

Prayer helps us grow closer to Christ. If you are leading youth, teaching a class, or just looking to grow in faith, our Catholic Prayers page can support you. Visit the page to discover new prayers and old favorites.

What is the St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer?

The St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer is a traditional Irish prayer. It asks for Christ to be close in every part of life. It is called a “breastplate” because it is like armor for the soul.

Did St. Patrick really write the St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer?

We are not sure. Some say St. Patrick used it during his mission in Ireland. Others believe it was written later by people who followed his example. Either way, the prayer shows strong trust in Christ, like St. Patrick had.

Why is the St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer important?

The prayer reminds us that Christ is with us always. It teaches about the Trinity and the power of God’s love. It also gives strength when life feels hard or scary.

Is there more than one version of the St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer?

Yes. There is a long version with many verses and a short version called “Christ With Me.” Both come from the same tradition. People often use the short version in daily prayer.

How can I use the St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer in youth ministry?

You can use it to teach about prayer, the Trinity, and trust in Jesus. It works well during retreats, before service projects, or when students face hard times. Saying it together helps build faith and courage.

The St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer is a powerful reminder that Christ is always with us. It comes from the Irish Christian tradition and is linked to the missionary work of St. Patrick. The prayer is sometimes called a “lorica,” which means armor. It asks for protection and strength from God throughout the day.

The most well-known part of the prayer is often called “Christ With Me.” This section repeats simple lines to show that Christ is around us in every direction. He is before us, behind us, beside us, and within us. These words bring comfort when we feel afraid or alone.

This prayer also teaches important parts of the Catholic faith. It speaks of the Trinity, the life of Jesus, and the power of prayer. It fits well with themes in youth ministry like trust, courage, and walking with Jesus in daily life.

Many people still pray this today. It is useful in classrooms, youth groups, or personal reflection. Whether you pray the long version or the short one, the message is clear: you are never alone. Christ is always near.

Have you ever prayed the St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer? Did it help you during a hard time or bring you peace? We would love to hear about it. Your story might help someone else feel less alone.

Please share your experience in the comment section below. Whether it was part of a retreat, a quiet morning prayer, or something you learned as a child, your thoughts are welcome. Let’s learn from one another and grow in faith together.