6b. I Bind unto Myself Today

1 I bind unto myself today
the strong name of the Trinity
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three.

2 I bind this day to me forever,
by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation,
his baptism in the Jordan river,
his death on cross for my salvation,
his bursting from the spiced tomb,
his riding up the heavenly way,
his coming at the day of doom,
I bind unto myself today.

3 I bind unto myself today
the virtues of the starlit heaven,
the glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free,
the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea
around the old eternal rocks.

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

5 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.

6 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 has creation,
eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation;
salvation is of Christ the Lord!

Text Information
First Line: I bind unto myself today
Title: I Bind unto Myself Today
Author (attributed to): Patrick (5th cent.)
Translator: Cecil Frances Alexander (1889, alt.)
Meter: LMD
Language: English
Publication Date: 2013
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Christian Year: Baptism of Jesus; Christian Year: Trinity; Creation (8 more...)
Tune Information
Name: DEIRDRE
Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906)
Meter: LMD
Key: G Major
Source: Irish melody


Text Information:

This great Trinitarian text belongs to a Celtic style of hymn known as a lorica, from the Latin word for “armor” or “breastplate.” In effect, it serves as both a statement of faith and a prayer for God’s protection.The two tunes are named for an Irish saint and an Irish heroine.


Media
Audio recording: Audio File (MP3)
More media are available on the text authority page.

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