The Breastplate of Saint Patrick

Jesus was a blue-collar worker before he began his public ministry. His 12 disciples were made up of salty young men. He used images and metaphors that regular working-class people of his day could relate to. This week I came across a song by The Porter’s Gate called The Breastplate of Saint Patrick. It is off their album called Worship for Workers. The entire album is beautiful and captures the prayers of ordinary people who are just trying to make it through the day. This song in particular really struck me. It is an adaptation of a prayer by St. Patrick which has become known as The Breastplate of Saint Patrick. You can read the prayer here. For this week’s post, I simply want to share this song with you. I have been calling this little corner of the internet Encouragement in the Ordinary. This song beautifully encapsulates why I share what I share on this blog. So, I don’t need to say anymore. Enjoy this beautiful prayer set to music.

The Breastplate of Saint Patrick

When my work takes me places I don’t want to go
Christ before me
And my heart aches with sorrow as I hit the road
Christ be with me
When the care of my family takes all that I have
Christ within me
When I’m worn and exhausted, ashamed that I’m mad
Christ defend me

I rise up today in a strength that is not my own
I’m held by the promise of God that I’m never alone

When I’m tossed to the side and I want to give up
Christ beside me
When I’m busting my ass but it’s never enough
Christ beside me
When I work hard but someone else gets the reward
God’s eyes see me
And I ask for promotion and they shut the door
God’s ears hear me

I rise up today in a strength that is not my own
I’m held by the promise of God that I’m never alone

When I climb the first steps toward a long-held dream
Christ above me
And I leap out in faith and I hope to find wings
Christ beneath me

Grace and peace ‘til we rise in glory.