Morning prayer · 27 January

Christ before me

A small compass with every direction marked, resting open on a table, all points pointing equally toward the center where it is held.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ in the width, Christ in the length, Christ in the height. Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me, Christ in the eye of everyone who sees me, Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Salvation belongs to Christ. Lord, may your salvation be with us always. Amen.

You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:5 (BSB)

Adapted from a prayer attributed to St Patrick, the Breastplate (tr. C. H. H. Wright, 1889), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.