We sit in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, of severe monsoon flooding in SouthEast Asia and with Hurricane Irma having devastated many small Caribbean nations, with its course now set for Florida. We acknowledge that these are only some of the calamities which face us today. For some of us we sit in parts of the world which are not directly affected by these events, yet they still have a toll. 

We offer a prayer of protection. To those outside the church, thoughts and prayers are often seen as an empty gesture. We know that prayer has power and that when it is coupled with action can move mountains. To those who can help, whether physically or financially, I urge you to do so. 

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.