Beloved of Christians worldwide, Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Christian missionary. Though more well-known for driving the snakes out of Ireland and using a shamrock to explain the Trinity -- both of which likely never happened -- Saint Patrick's best-known contribution to Christian literature is an ancient prayer known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate" or "St. Patrick's Prayer." This lyrical exploration of the Christian faith and the centrality of Christ has been used by Christians throughout the centuries as a way to remind them of the ways they interact with the divine.
In Christ, My Companion, Marilyn Chandler McEntyre explores the well-known portion of this ancient prayer, inviting readers to consider its meaning for them today. Drawing upon biblical, personal, and literary sources, McEntyre engages readers in their own reflections on particular ways they have experienced the presence of Christ and the variety of ways we are drawn into divine encounters.
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
