On March 17 of each year, we celebrate St. Patrick. Why? Because he was a great believer of God and I want to be like him!
“My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers.”
This is how he described himself as he shares his story. At 16, he was captured by Irish pirates and enslaved. God gave him a vision that his way of escape had appeared. Patrick made a harrowing escape and journeyed over 200 miles to find a ship heading to his home! He was free!
Before he was a prisoner, Patrick’s faith meant little to him despite the fact that his grandfather was a priest and his father was a deacon. During his 6 long years as a slave, he credits his faith in Jesus as what brought him through.
His love of Christ and faith in Jesus grew so much, he committed to God’s call on his life. Patrick became a priest and a missionary to the very people who enslaved him! As he returned to Ireland as a missionary, the king threatened his life and many of the Irish tried to kill him. Patrick persevered and radically transformed Ireland for Christ. God blessed his ministry greatly and Patrick even baptized the king who threatened his life!
Patrick always pointed people to Jesus. He wrote a Lorica, or prayer that was often inscribed on the armor and shields of people going into battle. May it be a blessing and reminder to us as we battle against the forces of darkness in this present age.
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 every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.