"The Deer's Cry"

I arise today

Through the strength of Heaven

Light of sun

Radiance of moon

Splendor of fire

Speed of lightning

Swiftness of wind

Depth of the sea

Stability of earth

Firmness of rock

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me

God's eye to look before me

God's wisdom to guide me

God's way to lie before me

God's shield to protect me

From all who shall wish me ill

Afar and anear

Alone and in a multitude

Against every cruel

Merciless power

That may oppose my body and soul.

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 to shield me

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.

I arise today.

The Deer's Cry, Anon. 8th Century

Transalted from Old Irish, Kuno Meyer

Often referred to as St. Patrick's Breastplate