Moravian Book of Worship ‎#237

237. St. Patrick's Hymn

I bind this day to me for ever
by power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
his baptism in 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.

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.

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.

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 this day to me for ever
• Title: St. Patrick's Hymn
• Author (attributed to): St. Patrick, 372-466
• Translator and Paraphraser: Cecil F. Alexander (1889)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Topic: Christ--All in all; Faith; Service music--Canticles; Trust and Confidence

Tune Information

• Name: [I bind this day to me for ever]
• Composer: Herbert Stanley Oakeley (1867)
• Key: F Major