Glao an Fhia ~ The Deer's Cry
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Narration: Michael McGowan, Violin: Kristin McGowan
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I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness,
through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
I arise today through the strength of Christ with his Baptism, through the strength of His Crucifixion
with His Burial through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension, through the strength of His
descent for the Judgment of Doom.
I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim:
in obedience of Angels, in the service of the Archangels, in hope of resurrection to meet with reward, in
prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets, in preachings of Apostles, in faiths of Confessors, in
innocence of Holy Virgins, in deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through the strength of Heaven:
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendor of Fire, speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea,
stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.
I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect
me, God's host to secure me: against snares of devils, against temptations of vices, against inclinations of
nature, against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and these evils:
against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and my soul, against incantations of
false prophets, against black laws of heathenry, against false laws of heretics, against craft of idolatry,
against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, against every knowledge that endangers man's body and
soul.
Christ to shield me today:
against poisoning, against burning, against drowning, against wounding, so that there may come
abundance of reward. 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 where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ
where I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who
speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today through a mighty strength:
the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the
Creator of creation. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of Christ. May Thy
Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
Amen ~ Áiméan
May God's peace be with you ~ Go raibh síocháin Dé leat
About this Prayer
Glao an Fhia ("The Deer's Cry"), also known as St. Patrick's Breastplate, is one of the most treasured prayers of the Irish Christian tradition. Its Gaelic title comes from the ancient story that when Saint Patrick traveled through Ireland, he and his companions were hidden from danger by God's protection. According to legend, their enemies saw not Patrick and his followers, but a mother deer and her young passing through the land.
The prayer itself is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God. Its words call upon Christ's presence in every part of life—within us, around us, before us, and behind us. It speaks of a faith that is not distant or abstract, but a living awareness that God walks with us through every joy, challenge, and uncertainty.
For centuries, Glao an Fhia has been a source of strength and comfort for those seeking courage and protection. Its beautiful vision of Christ surrounding and guiding us continues to inspire Christians around the world, reminding us that we are never beyond the reach of God's love and care.
Read more: Explore the life, faith, and legacy of Ireland’s beloved patron saint through these reflections on Saint Patrick and the enduring spiritual heritage he left behind: