Arvo Pärt: The Deer’s Cry

“The Deer’s Cry”, attributed to St Patrick, is known by several names: “The Breastplate of St Patrick” and “Lorica” to mention two. It is a beautiful prayer celebrating a God who lives with his children, guiding them, sheltering them, strengthening them. A God who is with us and in us through his Creation.

Lyrics:

Christ 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 when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in me, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Christ with me.

Related reading:

Arvo Pärt on Wikipedia

Saint Patrick’s Breastplate on Wikipedia

The Deer’s Cry (Pärt) on Wikipedia

The full Deer’s Cry Prayer in the Solari Prayer Book