Saint Patrick - the courage to turn back and forgive

For those who know the wonderful story of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, the 17th of March is a day to remember him. The legend of his life seems to grow more and more with time, but there is enough fact in his testimony that teaches us some powerful insights. 

In reading a sonnet by Malcolm Guite, I was struck by the thought of Patrick's courage. When he returned back to the land of his captors, Patrick displayed remarkable courage. We could argue that it must have taken a miracle for him to go back to the very people who had kept him prisoner for 6 years.

 In doing this Patrick displayed his Christlikeness, because it was Jesus who taught us to 'love our enemies'. Patrick could have gone back to Ireland with a deep desire for revenge and retribution, but he chose the path of forgiveness and mercy. In doing so, he allowed the people of Ireland to see the true presence of Christ.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." - Matthew 5:43-45

Thought: How our world needs more people like Patrick today? When everyone seems hellbent on revenge and anger, we are challenged to choose the path of love.

Please listen to the beautiful sonnet by Malcolm Guite here.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A thought for Saint Patrick's Day

The 17th of March is a day that marks the memory of Saint Patrick and this year I am especially struck by how one person can make a difference all over the planet. We are bombarded daily by the negative influence of many powerful people, and sadly their lives do impact upon all of us. However, today I want to give thanks for the millions of people who bring love, kindness and hope to our world. We may not all be a Saint Patrick, but our lives can touch the hearts of others.

Here are a few quotes attributed to Patrick. 

“I am certain in my heart that all that I am, I have received from God.”

“Behold, I give my soul to my faithful God, whom I serve as his ambassador.”

“It is Christ who is my great master, who inspires me and strengthens me in all things.”

Thought: It is important to remember that Patrick's early years were filled with pain and suffering, as he was taken captive as a young man in Ireland. However, he remembered these years as a time of refining and change. God renewed his heart in such a powerful way that he chose to go back to Ireland to share God's love with his former captors. 

Living in grace

D3LM3

A thought for Saint Patrick's Day

Most of us are aware that Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland, and yet he was not technically Irish at all. He was born in Britain and taken captive by Irish raiders in the early 400's. After spending 6 years as a shepherd/slave in Ireland, he managed to escape back to his homeland. It was during this captivity that his relationship with God deepened to a very devout level, and this continued while he settled back in Britain. 

However, God called Patrick back to serve the people of Ireland and so he went back there to share the Gospel with his previous enemies and captors. I can't think of a more profound example of God's love and grace than someone doing what Patrick did. It was his faith and love that continued to spread Christianity through Ireland, and so he is now revered as Saint Patrick. What a remarkable story!

"If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God." - Patrick 

May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for evermore. - Patrick

Living in Grace

D3LM3

16 - Saint Patricks Day

I am taking the liberty of skipping a few days in our countdown to Easter, just for the sake of St. Patricks Day. It seemed too good an opportunity to miss, especially as Patrick was such a key figure in the life of the Christian faith, most evident in his Irish Legacy. His blessings and quotes are many, but I am leaving us with two today. As we read them, may we also bless others with the same sentiments:

"He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all."

 "I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard."

And of course our Scripture comes from Psalm 16, which also speaks of BLESSING.


Psalm 16:7-8
"I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."

Be Blessed.
Living in Grace
D3LM3

A Prayer from Saint Patrick

In order to get into the spirit of celebrating the life of Patrick of Ireland, I am including a few thoughts and prayers from the great man of God. Enjoy them and may God Bless you.

"I bind unto myself today,
the power of God to hold and lead;
his eye to watch, his might to stay,
his ear to harken to my need;
the wisdom of my God to teach,
his hand to guide, his shield to ward,
the word of God to give me speech,
his heavenly host to be my guard."

"Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall."

"If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me."

"I am certain in my heart that all that I am, I have received from God."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/saintpatri189990.html

Saint Patrick quotes

Seeing as though today is Saint Patrick's day, I have decided to share a few of his thoughts with us. He was indeed a very charismatic man and he made a huge difference for the Gospel. For one man to have such an inspiring impact upon one country is truly remarkable.

"Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me"

"Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall"

“May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for evermore."

His life teaches me that even when we go through difficult times, God can use those situations for his Glory. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3