Patrick: The Fact, Fiction, and Faith of Ireland’s Saint

Last updated on: March 18, 2018 at 10:06 pm by Kelley Mathews

Patrick: The Fact, Fiction, and Faith of Ireland’s Saint 2018-03-18T22:06:28-05:00 Kelley Mathews

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Legacy

Deep faith—Visions and dreams played an important part in the spiritual life during Patrick’s time. He obeyed God’s call to return to the island on which he had been enslaved. He first repaid his slave price to his former captor, then confronted druids and royalty in dramatic fashion. God called him to preach and pray, serve and suffer, though he did not always feel worthy or able.

Evangelistic fervor—Patrick’s mission in life was to bring people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. He spent over twenty years preparing and almost forty years evangelizing the lost people of Ireland.

Therefore, indeed, I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper, so many favours and graces has the Lord deigned to bestow on me in the land of my captivity. For after chastisement from God, and recognizing him, our way to repay him is to exalt him and confess his wonders before every nation under heaven.

I am greatly God’s debtor, because he granted me so much grace, that through me many people would be reborn in God, and soon after confirmed, and that clergy would be ordained everywhere for them, the masses lately come to belief, whom the Lord drew from the ends of the earth. . .

Love for God—Indeed, everything Patrick did—each journey, each task, each sermon, each prayer—sprang from an all-consuming devotion to Jesus. He considered Christ as his savior (spiritually), his rescuer (literally), his redeemer, his leader.

So as you read about, or take part in, your local St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, reflect on the life of Patrick, Roman by birth but Irish by the grace of God. Wear some green, thank God for your blessings, and tell someone about Jesus, and meditate on this prayer:

Patrick’s Breastplate

“Christ be 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 inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”

Previous Post

March 12, 2018

What Does 'the Power of Prayer' Really Mean?

Next Post

March 19, 2018 What's Your Hat? One Teen's First Sermon Illustration

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category adoption art bible Bible study books compassion creation culture dogs facebook faith family friendship funeral grieving justice leadership Mardi Gras marriage memorial mental illness milestones missions MOPS movies parenting politics race relationships social media technology Thanksgiving theology trusting God Uncategorized wedding women worship

Select a Month June 2021 April 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 October 2013 September 2013 October 2012 August 2012 January 2012 October 2011 May 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What Christian group traces its origins to the Azusa Street Revival?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Anglicans Methodists Lutherans Pentecostals

Books by This Author Books by Kelley Mathews

See All Titles »