Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!


Have you ever heard of Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer?  I admit I had not until two years ago when friends of ours (who were missionaries in Ireland at the time) shared it.  I found the portion quoted above to be especially meaningful.  Why is this known as his Breastplate Prayer?  Because it was Saint Patrick's prayer seeking God's protection over his life...adversaries that were both seen and unseen.  To read the prayer in its entirety, click here

I can't read Saint Patrick's prayer without thinking of what God says about "putting on the whole armour of God" in Ephesians 6:10-19:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Though many things have changed since the writing of both Ephesians and Saint Patrick's Prayer, their relevance is not lost in today's world.  Why not adopt his as your prayer today? 

Blessings to you all...
Tracy

P.S.  Remember, my giveaway continues up until midnight (Eastern time) tonight.  If you haven't entered today, please stop by.

6 comments:

Melissa Jo said...

thanks so much for sharing this!!! Love it! You are truly a blessing to me! God Bless you today and always!!!!

Peggy said...

Blessings Tracy...I shared this also with a song! I guess God has placed this on many of our hearts! Thank you for the blessings and sharing Ephesians in its entirety! Guess God wants us to armor up! This is my favorite part as well from the Lorica... Totally immersed in Jesus!

EnJOY a Happy St. Patrick's Day and may God's protection be around your & yours! Love the cloverleaves!!!

Love you (((hugs)))
Peggy

Melissa Jo said...

Guess what I got from a wonderful Blogging Friend in the mail today???? Yep, your package, thanks SO much Tracy! Love it! God Bless you!!!! Keep up the blogging, your my fave! I posted about you today on my blog! Thanks for the Friendship!

Jennifer said...

I'd never heard this...and I also immediately thought of the verses in Ephesians. Hope you are having a great St. Patrick's Day - and I can't wait until midnight. (Enter me again today..hoorah!)

Karen said...

I read this prayer over on Peggy's blog...such powerful assurances...can't help but feel awestruck at the wonder of it all....

Technonana said...

Thanks for sharing this prayer, Love the way it ties in with Eph.
If you don't mind... think I will borrow it!!
Thanks again!!
Sharon