Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.”

 Mark 16:15 (NCV)

Most of us think St. Patrick’s Day is simply a day to wear green and gather with family and friends for a meal of corned beef and cabbage. But Saint Patrick was a real man, a true follower of Christ, who brought Jesus to the pagan Druids: the people of Ireland. After being kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16, Patrick came to understand the power of Jesus: the power of His presence in his life and the power of prayer in the midst of suffering. It is believed that Patrick used the shamrock, the symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, to teach others about the Trinity as he preached and taught throughout the land.

History tells us that Patrick wrote a prayer, known as The Breastplate of Saint Patrick, in 433 A.D. (I encourage you to find and read the entire prayer online.) Like Patrick, may you eagerly seek the Lord and see His mighty hand in your life every day. May you boldly and bravely share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those near and far, just as Jesus commanded. May you never forget to seek God’s power and protection in the midst of difficult circumstances. And may you be constantly aware of His peace and presence in your daily life. I pray this blesses you today. You are prayed for and deeply loved! 

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.