Lorica Prayers
Lorica Prayers. These prayers were prayers of protection. The Celtic people knew that life was short. Therefore they needed a form of prayer that would bring them hope, protection and peace. This form of prayer became known as Lorica prayer. Lorica is Latin for “Breastplate.” Calvin Miller, in his book The Path of Celtic Prayer: An Ancient Way to Everyday Joy, states: “Much like the apostle Paul, Celts saw prayer as their breastplate – a protective layer of steely, spiritual defense.” Ephesians 6:10-12 makes clear the Christians’ need for protection:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
In times of the early Celts, every person had a favorite way of facing tomorrow. There were apothecaries and herbalists who could cook up a brew of forest herbs that might deal with this ailment or that disease. There were witches and warlocks whose incantations could cast out demons or curse an enemy. But those who became Christians, cast aside herbalists and shamans, and instead asked the triune God to protect them.
Yet their prayers for protection were not “name it and claim it” or “health and wealth” gospel prayers. When prayed with the proper motives, the Celts found the Lorica to be genuine prayer. They did not ask God to give them life for their own sake. God’s protection enabled them to prosper His Kingdom. The Celts were basically saying, “Protect me, Lord that I may serve you and make Your Name known.”
Lorica prayers were said when chopping wood. The prayers for protection in this situation were not merely selfish, for the wood gathered was used to heat the homes of the family and community. In the rain soaked, cold and wintry land of the Celts, warmth was crucial for survival.
Patrick’s Breastplate prayer is a strong example of a Lorica prayer, especially the 5th stanza:
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.
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