Encircling

Christ with me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ in me
Christ beneath me, Christ above me7
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

—Prayer excerpt attributed to St. Patrick

In the Celtic monastic tradition, a lorica is a type of prayer seeking protection, invoking the power of God to safeguard against darker forces. You are probably familiar with the lorica prayer above, attributed to St. Patrick. The biblical inspiration may come from Ephesians 6:14, which refers to putting on the breastplate of righteousness.

This practice is rooted in the precarious sense people often have of our own existence. Travellers especially faced dangers at night from thieves or wild animals with only fire and prayer as protection. Circles have always been important to the Celts. Even the early medieval Celtic and Anglo-Saxon monasteries were often placed inside a circular enclosure as

In daily life

These breastplate prayers name the presence of Christ in all directions as a shield against harm and a reminder of God’s loving presence. You can extend this circle beyond yourself to include your family, your community, your country, and the earth.

Scripture meditation

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
—Psalm 91:1–2

Circle me Lord, Keep protection near, and danger afar. Circle me Lord, Keep light near, and darkness afar. Circle me Lord, Keep peace within. Keep evil out. Circle me Lord, Keep hope within. Keep doubt without. May you be a bright flame before me.

May you be a guiding star above me. May you be a smooth path below me. And a loving Guide behind me. Today, tonight, and forever. Amen