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I Bind Unto Myself Today (St. Patrick's Breastplate)

I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity

The Breastplate is a comprehensive Trinitarian and Christological confession, structured as an act of binding — an ancient Celtic concept in which the name and attributes of God are claimed as protection. Stanza 2 is a remarkable Apostles' Creed-like recitation of the major events of Christ's life: Incarnation, Baptism, death, resurrection, ascension, return. For Lutheran planning, this text functions as a profound Trinity Sunday text and as a baptismal confession — the 'binding unto myself' language mirrors the claiming of the baptismal name. The fifth stanza ('Christ be with me') is perhaps the most perfect expression of the real presence of Christ in all of life: not merely in sacrament but in every moment, place, and relationship.

History & Background

The Lorica (Breastplate) of Saint Patrick is one of the oldest documents of Celtic Christianity, traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick (c.385-461) and dated to 433 AD though scholars debate the precise dating. It is structured as a prayer of protection — a 'lorica' or armor prayer was a common genre in Celtic Christianity — invoking the Trinitarian God, the events of Christ's life, the created order, and divine virtues as shields against evil. Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895) translated it into English in 1889, creating the version widely sung today with its distinctive Irish melody. The fifth stanza, 'Christ be with me, Christ within me,' is one of the most beloved pieces of Celtic Christian poetry.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 450
  • The Hymnal 1982 — 370
  • United Methodist Hymnal — 596

Bulletin Note

Attributed to Saint Patrick (c.433 AD), translated by Cecil Frances Alexander (1889). The fifth stanza — 'Christ be with me, Christ within me' — is among the most beloved texts in Christian hymnody.

Preaching Connection

The Trinity is not a mathematical puzzle about the nature of God — it is the name of the God who goes with us, who is already there before us, who holds us from behind, who rises as the sun and speaks in the storm: Father, Son, and Spirit, everywhere and always.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Themes

Trinity protection Christology Celtic Baptism Confirmation Incarnation creation

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