St. Patrick's Day - It's Not About The Al-Al-Al-Al-Alcohol

I don't really know much about St. Patrick except that his feast day is celebrated by making fun of Irish people and trying to kill your liver with green beer. [By the way, I don't care how much green food coloring you put in it, Coors Light/Miller Lite/Bud Light still taste like horse piss. The only people who like green beer are alcoholics or people born without taste buds. If you're going to drink beer, you should drink something that actually tastes good.]

Well, it seems the real story of St. Patrick is actually much more dramatic. Joe Carter at the First Thoughts blog calls him "The Indiana Jones of Saints." He was kidnapped by pirates, sold into slavery, escaped from slavery, became a priest and then beat the crap out of a bunch of druids resulting in Ireland becoming Catholic. How is this not a movie¹? Somebody call Peter Jackson.


A Prayer For St. Patrick's Day
Lord, may we be encouraged by the story of St. Patrick who endured kidnapping, slavery and near death. You were always with him, just like you are always with us. Remind us of your faithfulness, especially when we feel as if you are nowhere to be found. You are our defender and protector.

Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer

-Ben Reed, March 17, 2010


St. Patrick's Prayer For The Faithful
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

Thanks to Christine Sine at Godspace for posting this prayer.



1 According to IMDB there was a TV movie, but I think this deserves something greater.