This is an excerpt from The Deer's Cry, a prayer written by St Patrick as he and some of his followers were being hunted by Druids to be killed in the year 433. The story is that the Druids only found a doe and twenty fawns:
The Deer's Cry
"The Breastplate of St. Patrick"
"I arise today, through the strength of Heaven; light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendor of Fire, speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea, stability of Earth, firmness of 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 host to secure me: against snares of devils, against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature, against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd."
I'm still reading and listening to the words of John O'Donohue - the most recent is his book Beauty; The Invisible Embrace. Some of his thoughts are a little hard for me to completely grasp even though they resonate in me. The things he says forces an examination of my beliefs, values and the external actions of my life. They are also allowing me to come to a better understanding of the deep pull of the beautiful things in my life. I think God has given us beauty - whether in nature or in the soul of a friend or a soothing song or a wild storm - to help us better understand who He is and His purposes for us in this world.
© John O’Donohue. All rights reserved For more information and further reading visit www.johnodonohue.com
