Prayers to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

For many people who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day it is a day of reflection and pondering. Many of these prayers are used in both religious and family celebrations. They reflect the deep literary and spiritual traditions of the Irish people. For those who are simply interested in the holiday, they can add further meaning and depth to your celebration or they can be used to make lovely holiday cards, or serve as readings for St. Patrick Day celebrations. Here are some prayers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day-

Patrick himself was a prolific writer who contributed much to the rich tradition of Irish literature. Below is a prayer that has been attributed to him.

I arise today Through God’s strength to direct me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak to me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s hosts to save me from snares of devils. From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, Afar and anear, Alone and in a multitude.

Many of the prayers offer blessings and warm wishes to those closest to you. Here are some great examples of that-

• May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
• May the leprechauns be near you, To spread luck along your way. And may all the Irish angels, Smile upon you St. Patrick’s Day.
• Wherever you go and whatever you do, May the luck of the Irish be there with you.
• May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck, brightened by a song in your heart, and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.

Even the prayers of the Irish reflect their sense of humor.

• St. Patrick was a gentleman, Who through strategy and stealth Drove all the snakes from Ireland. Here’s toasting to his health. But not too many toastings, Lest you lose yourself and then Forget the good St. Patrick, And see all those snakes again.
• There are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish And those who wish they were.
• May the leprechauns dance over your bed and bring you sweet dreams.
• Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter  Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. Poems and songs with pipes and drums  A thousand welcomes when anyone comes…That’s the Irish for you!

The shamrock (symbol of Irish luck), figures prominently in many Irish blessings.

• May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright happy hours That stay with you all year long.
• For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way Good health, good luck, and happiness For today and every day.
• May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and trouble avoid you wherever you go.
• The rose and the shamrock, Will always remind me, of lanes in the hills that I left far behind me.
• There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle ‘Twas Saint Patrick himself sure that set it. And the sun on his labor with pleasure did smile. And a tear from his eyes oft-times wet it. It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mire land. And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland