I arise today through the strength of heaven;
Light of sun, radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire, speed of lightening,
Swiftness of wind, depth of sea,
Stability of earth, firmness of rock.
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me…
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me…
I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel, merciless power that may oppose my body and soul.
– attributed to St. Patrick, 500 AD.
Translating Christ: Chinese and English discourses 