The Lorica

This special piece is based on the Lorica Of St.Patrick, an Old Irish prayer for protection. I was particularly inspired by the last section of the prayer that asks for God's presence in all situations.

 

The instrumentation of SATB Choir and Organ serves a specific purpose: The Choir represents the person singing the prayer, while the Organ is God's presence. And as the choir prays more and more, the organ grows in richer harmonies and stronger in sound signifying God's presence with us as we pray.

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Text:

 

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 in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

 

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through a confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation.

 

Amen