Praying With Saint PatrickUzorak

A Prayer for Courage

I have cast myself into the hands of almighty God.

Patrick, “Confession,” 55

One legend that has been passed down is the story of Patrick lighting the Easter Fire. Whether it happened just like this we can’t be sure, but here’s how it is told:

It was Holy Week, and this year, Easter coincided with the festival of Beltane, in which all fires in the land were extinguished under penalty of death. The druid priests would perform their rituals, lighting the High King’s Fire, from which all other fires would be rekindled.

Sensing God’s leading, Patrick chose to make a bold stand against the power of the druids. On the Hill of Slane, across the valley from the king’s residence at Tara, Patrick held a midnight mass and lit a great Easter bonfire. Seeing Patrick’s fire, the druids warned King Lóegaire, “If that light is not put out before dawn it will never be extinguished.”

King Lóegaire, accompanied by his wife, took soldiers to the bonfire and demanded Patrick give account for himself. Patrick did so gladly, and before the night was done the king’s wife had converted to Christ. Lóegaire sensed that Patrick could not be beaten by direct conflict, so he ordered Patrick to come to Tara the following day so that they could talk further.

The musical tune for the ancient hymn “Be Thou My Vision” is known as Slane. The lyrics to the song were written by Patrick’s spiritual grandchildren, and they reflect his courageous heart. What bold task has God called you to? Pray for God’s presence to bring courage today as you meditate on these lyrics:

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my battle shield, sword for the fight;

Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight;

Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Be strong and courageous . . . for the Lord your God goes with you.

Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV