"May the Spirit of Christ be our hope through the day,
Be our guard through the night,
Our companion on the way.
Christ be ever before us, Christ be ever behind us,
Christ be ever within."
~Marty Haugen, based on St. Patrick's breastplate

Today is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. One this day, it is said, 'everyone is Irish'. It seems everyone wants to don their greenest shirt and show up for the party. I am not saying that this is a bad thing necessarily, but that celebration of this day is much more than shamrocks and leprechauns.

St. Patrick also gave us this beautiful prayer that is said to have been his breastplate. While there were literal breastplates, those armor-like chest coverings that were used for protection, St. Patrick's is more a protection of the words of his prayer. In a sense they were his understanding of how he traveled, how we all travel, with the presence of the Holy in the world. Many hymn writers have set these words to music. Singing them can be a powerful experience, connecting us not only with this ancient saint, but with all humanity and with God.

"Christ upon our left hand watching, at our right hand guiding, Christ above, beneath us guarding, Near to us abiding.

Christ be in each holy silence, Christ be in our speaking, Christ in every work we offer, Ever in our seeking.

Let us be God's light in the darkness, Let us be God's kindness; Let us be God's justice and mercy, Hands and feet of Christ.

God Creator, bless and keep us, Christ, be ever near us; Spirit be the light before us, Gentle be our pathway."

In all the revelry of this day, when we all want to 'be Irish', it might be wise to consider the words that are said to have guided this man's life. This enfolded way of walking in the world is a sacred reminder to us all of what it means to live a life of prayer, a life made holy by walking gently with the Creator.

In the wearing of the green today, may the prayer of St. Patrick be on our lips and in our hearts.