Lies, spite, hurtful words,
Spoken from hearts of pain –
Why would someone speak that way?
Spitting out words to hurt, and maim?
In my lifetime which words
Of life or death
Have been spoken over me?
Some good, too many bad –
My fault? Can it be?
So hard to be cared for and loved,
To find people wanting to be
Positive about the way I am . . .
But no matter:
My God’s truth has set me free.
“Saint Patrick’s Breastplate,”, an 8th century Irish prayer.
I rise today
with the power of God to pilot me,
God’s strength to sustain me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look ahead for me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to protect me,
God’s way before me,
God’s shield to defend me,
God’s host to deliver me,
from snares of devils,
from evil temptations,
from nature’s failings,
from all who wish to harm me,
far or near,
alone and in a crowd.
Faith Unlocked 