More than 1,500 years ago, a man walked through the wild, untamed landscapes of Ireland, surrounded by enemies who wanted him gone. Yet, instead of fear, he stood firm—clothed not in armor, but in prayer. That man was Saint Patrick, and the powerful words he prayed for protection have echoed through the centuries.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate prayer is a spiritual shield, a prayer for protection, a battle cry of faith against unseen forces. These words have been spoken by countless believers, calling on Christ to stand before, behind, and beside them.
As you read and pray these timeless words, may they become your own declaration of faith. Let them remind you that you are never alone—Christ is with you, guiding, shielding, and strengthening you every step of the way.
I rise today
By the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Trusting in the Three-in-One,
Confessing the One Creator of all.
I rise today
With the strength of Christ’s birth and baptism,
With the strength of His death on the cross and burial,
With the strength of His resurrection and ascension,
With the strength of His return for final judgment.
I rise today
Surrounded by the love of angels,
Guided by their obedience,
Strengthened by their service,
Encouraged by the hope of eternal life,
Uplifted by the prayers of those who came before,
Inspired by the words of prophets,
Grounded in the teachings of the apostles,
Strengthened by the faith of those who stand firm,
Encouraged by the purity of the saints,
Empowered by the righteous deeds of those who follow God.
I rise today, upheld by
The light of the sun,
The brilliance of the moon,
The glow of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The firmness of the earth,
The strength of the mountains.
I rise today, shielded by
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to watch over me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to protect me,
God’s way before me,
God’s shield around me,
God’s angels to save me—
From the traps of the enemy,
From temptations of the world,
From those who seek to harm me,
Both near and far,
Alone or in a crowd.
I call on all these powers today
To stand between me and every evil,
Against the power of darkness,
Against lies and deception,
Against false teachings,
Against the worship of idols,
Against spells and witchcraft,
Against all knowledge that harms the soul.
Christ, be my shield today!
Protect me from poison,
From fire and drowning,
From wounding and harm,
So that I may receive the reward of eternal life.
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 in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the words of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I rise today
By the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Trusting in the Three-in-One,
Confessing the One Creator of all.
Salvation belongs to the Lord!
Salvation is from Christ!
May Your salvation, O Lord, be with us always. Amen.
Faith is meant to be lived—and shared. As you pray St. Patrick’s Breastplate, may you feel the power of Christ surrounding you, guiding you, and strengthening you in every moment.
Whether you’re facing challenges, seeking protection, or simply longing for a deeper connection with God, this prayer is a powerful reminder that you are never alone.
If these words have blessed you, don’t keep them to yourself!
Share this prayer with friends and family so they, too, can experience God’s presence in their lives. Let us know which part of the prayer speaks to your heart the most!
Amen