It’s Paul who tells us that we have “the mind of Christ,” but I’d give credit to a later divine, St. Patrick, for showing us how to do that in prayer.
On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, the world turns happily green for this man who supposedly rid Ireland of all its snakes and explained the Trinity with the help of a shamrock (and if anyone can fully explain the Trinity, they are indeed worthies).
But I especially treasure St. Patrick for his prayer. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me…
First of all, in case you wondered, Patrick was not Irish. He was, in fact, born in England in the late 4th century, then kidnapped at age 16, enslaved and taken to pagan Ireland. There he worked as a shepherd in brutal weather, tending the flocks and praying constantly.
Read More: 8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About St. Patrick
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me…
Is this where the prayer that is attributed to him had its origins? Imagine a shepherd facing cold wicked winds and rain on a barren hilltop, while trying to protect his sheep from thieves and dangers. Would he not look for Christ around him, in front of him, beside him, above him, everywhere?
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise…
And how would he himself stay warm on those winter nights when darkness covered the Irish landscape for countless hours? And as a slave, who could he find to advocate for him? Who would defend him? Who would listen to him?
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me…
After six years as a slave Patrick escaped, walked 200 miles, found a ship headed towards England, became a priest, then went to the Continent to grow further in faith before he was called to return to Ireland and bring Christ to the people.
Which is why Ireland celebrates him. Which is why we all wear green on March 17.
Read More: A Lucky St. Patrick’s Day
But even if you’re not Irish–and alas, I’m not–you can pray with him. Because his prayer is a sure guide to a rich full life, to security, serenity. Scotch those leprechauns and four-leafed clovers. This is what the holiday is really about. A man who faced impossible hardship and escaped to freedom, a freedom he shares with all of us.
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 in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
