"I Bind Unto Myself Today"

The words to this hymn come from St. Patrick's (c. 372- c. 466) Breastplate. Several different translations from the original Gaelic were used to put the words into stanzas by an Irish woman, Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895) in 1888. They were set to a traditional Irish melody adapted by Charles Stanford (1852-1924). Go here to hear the melody and read the full text. (Note: This website doesn't have the correct change in melody for the sixth stanza. In addition, the hymn is difficult to follow if you don't have the words and printed music together.)

"I Bind Unto Myself Today"

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.
(verse 5)