The Deer's Cry

At the funeral of my dear friend a few months back, her brave and beautiful 11-year-old daughter sang The Deer's Cry, and if you've never heard it, you should. The Deer's Cry, also called The Breastplate of St. Patrick, and The Lorica, tells the story of St. Patrick and his monks being turned into deer so that they could pass safely through an ambush. It was written in the Eighth century and some claim that St. Patrick himself wrote the prayer.
Anyone familiar with Celtic Goddess spirituality will recognize the ancient symbolism in this prayer -- which really is the greatest protection spell I've ever come across.
So, if your day is going like mine, take up this shield.

The Deer's Cry

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven
Light of sun
Radiance of moon
Splendour 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.