Saint Patrick's BreastplateSmakprov

"Christ, be with me" [Illustrations included in this devotional are not visible in this view. Illustrations are only supported in the Bible App for iOS, Android, and at Bible.com] Start by praying the whole prayer and then reread today’s section. Christ, be 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 where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise, This is the most quoted part of Saint Patrick’s Breastplate. Take some time to try to absorb the words. Imagine having this in the forefront of your mind all day, every day. What could you do? What would you say and do? What difference would you make in the world? Now read the words of Saint Paul writing to the Ephesians. Paul reminds us that our true battle is not of a worldly nature. It might feel like it in the moment, but if we are living a ‘kingdom life’, then our true enemy will be supernatural in nature. The Armour of God is also a very well quoted passage, but its relevance for our prayer is immense. Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation and the Word of God; these are what Saint Paul encourages us to lean on. When we know that Christ is with us, we choose to only speak the truth and to only listen to the truth. We live a life based on being righteous and chose to only proclaim the Good News that brings peace to our world, regardless of personal sacrifice. When we know that Christ is in us, we are confident in our faith and trust in God’s plan for our salvation. Our weapon, when Christ is all around us, is his very word; words that encourage and challenge but only ever bring about God’s will. When I remember this, when I live this, then I too - arise today.