Patrick Blessed Me, May I Bless You Today?
“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.”
Isaiah 60.1-2 NIV
Blessing to Arise and Conquer
Like one of the grand adventure tales,
a young boy transforms from slave to saint.
Patrick’s 5th century life story included
- Childhood capture by pagans
- Divine escape by sea
- Sacrificial return to Ireland
Abandoned and alone, Patrick clung to the Lord:
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.*
May you CLING to the divine presence.
Every morning, Patrick claimed empowerment:
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.*
May you find strength to ARISE every day.
Patrick’s conquering was through compassion
for the people who had been his captors:
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.*
May you CONQUER evil through mercy and grace.
The Irish people grew to love Patrick’s God
and Ireland was never the same again.
As you cling, arise, and conquer
May you never be the same again.
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
*St. Patrick’s Breastplate 433 AD - Click on Patrick below to read my blog “Words to Fight Life’s Battles.”
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
This was just what I needed today. Thank you, thank you!
Thank you for the blessing, dear friend!
❤️❤️❤️ Blessing you, in my prayers, right back
I appreciate your annual reminders of the legacy of the real St. Patrick - important to remember in the age of shamrocks, the wearing of green, and heavy drinking!