saint patricks.

i kinda forgot it was saint patricks day today. started noticing all the facebook and twitter posts, people getting excited about the day, talking about plans to drink green beer and all that. don't get me wrong, green beer sounds delicious. but i was curious to know exactly why we celebrate saint patricks day, because i was pretty sure there's more to it than getting wasted and blaming it on the holiday. turns out, Saint Patrick was from Britain and was taken from his home at a young age and was held for six years in captivity in Ireland. during his time as a prisoner, he felt like God spoke to him, telling him to spread the good news of Christ. he began his life as a missionary soon after he escaped from the prison. i read this really beautiful prayer of Saint Patrick, its so amazing. its really long, so i'll share my favorite part:

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 when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone 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.

so. its good to know that this day isn't just for drinking guiness and wearing green, but that it is to honor someone who lived out his faith.

happy saint patricks day.