From the old Irish lyrics that date to the 8th century:
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 this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;
I bind unto myself today.
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.
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.
I bind unto myself 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 Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
St. Patrick's Breastplate comes from a hymnodic tradition so rich that the fourth verse has a totally different tune and key than all the others in the hymn. This is one of my favorites and I am heartily happy to sing it whenever it is presented to me. Careful if you are accompanied by solo flute. They have been known to feel faint after about verse three.
Posted by: Rodd Crandall | March 17, 2010 at 03:16 PM
Rodd, where would one find the tune for this? I was moved just reading it, and afterward was sorrowed at the shallowness of so much of 21st century evangelicalism.
Posted by: Karen A. | March 18, 2010 at 01:11 PM