DESCRIPTION:
From a BBC radio broadcast from St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin on St Patrick’s Day 17 March 1982, with the cathedral choir under the direction of John Dexter. Organ Scholar: David Adams.

The lyrics are a translation of a Gaelic poem called “St. Patrick’s Lorica,” (or breastplate), a lorica being a mystical garment that was supposed to protect the wearer from danger and illness, and guarantee entry into Heaven.) Cecil Alexander penned these words in 1889 at the request of H. H. Dickinson, Dean of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle. The music was written by Charles Villiers Stanford in 1902.

I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three.

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

I bind unto myself the power of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour, the service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word, the Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord and purity of virgin souls.

Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within, the hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh, in every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility I bind to me these holy powers.

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 hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord. Amen.