Lorica of Saint Patrick

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and 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 obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In preachings of the apostles,
In faiths of confessors,
In innocence of virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the 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 way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me
From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who desires me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel merciless power
….. that opposes 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 women and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul.

Christ shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that reward may come to me in abundance.

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 in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through a confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.

Comments

  1. That is some heavy duty invocation. Is that attributed to THE St. Patrick, in order that he might accomplish his miracle?
    What’s the word for the type of language that calls into existence a state that didn’t exist before. Incantations, spells and laws and contracts when they use the word Herein, and whereas – That type of creative speech. I know there is a term for that.

  2. Saint Patrick is a close personal friend of mine.

  3. Brother Samuel says

    That type of creative speech is called Codex Invocati

  4. Alison Vonderland says

    It isn’t easy being green.

  5. Brother Samuel,

    It was my understanding that “codex” was a word for the binding of parchment, the actual object that is a group of bound parchment, that became to be known as a book. Thanks for expanding the definition of that word for me.

  6. Brother Samuel says

    Of course the word “codex” refers to a manuscript volume (often bound parchment). But, the original greek root “codea,” means to proclaim as lawgiver. The early church was much more aware of these etymologies than we are which accounts for its strange usage here.

  7. Brother Samuel,

    Was discussion of Codex Invocati held during the Pre-Christian era? Is codex invocati a latin term? Do we find it in the secular, politcal philosophical writings of the Roman and Greek republics? Or does it only arise from the church tradition in relation to the Cosmogony of Genesis or the Re-interpretation and synthesis of the hebraic Cosmogony with hellenistic philosophy of the Logos that we find in John?

    The mind reels with questions!

  8. Brother Samuel,

    Was discussion of Codex Invocati held during the Pre-Christian era? Is codex invocati a latin term? Do we find it in the secular, politcal philosophical writings of the Roman and Greek republics? Or does it only arise from the church tradition in relation to the Cosmogony of Genesis or the Re-interpretation and synthesis of the hebraic Cosmogony with hellenistic philosophy of the Logos that we find in John?

    The mind reels with questions

  9. Brüx,

    I noticed that Brother Samuel didn’t respond to your last inquisition. It’s obvious that he was offended by your rude, overly direct questioning. And I, for one, don’t blame him.You seem to be one of those who believe that truth and history are black and white matters that can be understood. Like many religious types, you use your faith as a bludgeon rather than a force for social justice.

  10. Larry,

    Thanks for your input. However, I would understand that a question on a deeply personal level could be considered blunt. A question relating the history of religious belief or philosophy I would argue is not blunt: it is direct and clear.

    I would also argue that knowledge of a topic should not be confused with faith in said topic. Furthermore, if I am using my questions as a bludgeon, what result is intended? I’m not asking someone to come around to any change in point of view, I am asking for elucidation of someones views.

    If seeking understanding is threatening to some, then I’m proud to stand in the same company as Socrates and all his decendants.

  11. Rufus McCain says

    Brüx,

    I wouldn’t take any offense at Larry’s comments. He was obviously engaging in the ancient rhetorical device known as the Taunt. You should just talk some trash back at him next time.

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