March 01, 2007

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.

2 comments:

zawelski said...

Val - What a beautiful song! I've just listened to it about 5 times, cuddling with both boys on our bed. Zekey, who's been Mr. Throw-Up and now slight fever for the past 2 days, lay back listening, and said, A gentle song." Aw, from the mouths of babes. I'm inspired to want to learn it and get live accompaniment and even multi-voices for performing sometime at my church - maybe baby #3's baptism. Thanks for sharing. I love your blog.
Jane

Olive oil said...

Its an awesome song that made me cry while listening to it. It touches your soul and you experience great strength in the Lord.