Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

I Bind Unto Myself Today

I bind unto myself today

I Bind Unto Myself Today is a hymn text by Saint Patrick (1200) in C.M. with refrain meter. Translated by Cecil Frances Alexander. Found in elw 450, gtg 6, h82 370, lbw 188. Sung to ST. PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE.

This hymn expresses the confidence of faith in Christ's protection and the power of the Trinity working through creation. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on God's divine care and the believer's assurance despite earthly struggles.

History & Background

Attributed to Saint Patrick, this ancient Irish hymn (Lorica Patricii) was likely composed in the 8th century and survives in Old Irish manuscripts. Cecil Frances Alexander's English translation was published in 1889 and has become the standard version in English-speaking Lutheran and Christian hymnody.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 450
  • Glory to God — 6
  • The Hymnal 1982 — 370
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 188
  • Lutheran Service Book — 604
  • Lift Up Your Hearts — 14
  • Lutheran Worship — 172
  • New Century Hymnal — 452
  • Voices Together — 78

Translation

Cecil Frances Alexander

Bulletin Note

Tradition ascribes this hymn to Saint Patrick (5th century), though the text likely emerged centuries later. Known as 'Saint Patrick's Breastplate,' it expresses confident faith in Christ's protection through creation and the Trinity's active care.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the law's exposure of our helplessness into the gospel's joyful confession that Christ's power and presence now define our identity and security.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From invocation of Trinitarian protection through Christ's redemptive work, angelic communion, and creation's goodness, to spiritual warfare against evil, returning to Trinitarian praise

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Epiphany 1 (1×)
  • Holy Trinity (1×)
  • St. Matthew (1×)
  • Sts. Peter and Paul (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Baptism of Our Lord (1×)
  • Holy Trinity (1×)
  • Sts. Peter and Paul (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Protection in Christ Armor of God Trinity Divine presence Spiritual warfare

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