As I Arise Today

AS I ARISE TODAY (A Prayer Credited to Patrick of Ireland, a Fourth Century Missionary)

As I arise today, May the strength of God uphold me, the power of God guide me,
May the words of God give me speech, the wisdom of God direct me,
May the eyes of God watch over me, the ear of God hear my need,
May the hand of God guide me, the way of God lie before me,
May the shield of God defend me, the angels of God watch over me,
May Your grace, O Lord, always be mine, this day, and forevermore.

As I arise today may Christ shield me,
Against the vices that give temptation force;
the natural lusts that war within,
Against the knowledge that defiles and false doctrine of heresy,
Against every cruel, merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against the hostile men that deter my course:From every one, few or many, who shall wish me ill, far and near,Alone or in multitude and in all hours against their fierce hostility,
Against the snares of the evil one, protect me, Christ, until You return.

As I arise today,Christ be with me, Christ be within me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me,Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ be beneath me, Christ be above me,Christ in the quiet, Christ in danger, Christ to win me;Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand,Christ to comfort me, Christ to restore me;Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.Christ in the heart of all that love me, Christ in the mouth of all who speak of me.

As I arise today, may I have the faith of the starlit heaven, the hope of the glorious sun’s giving rays,The pure whiteness of the full moon, the focus of the lightning free,The strength of the whirling wind’s turbulent gusts, the depth of the salty sea,The firmness of eternal rock, and the stability of earth.

Praise be to the creator of all nature and mankind,Praise to the God of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord. Amen