Lutheran Book of Worship ‎#188

188. I Bind unto Myself Today

1 I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

2 I bind this day to me forever,
By pow'r of faith, Christ’s incarnation,
His baptism in the Jordan River,
His cross of death for my salvation,
His bursting from the spiced tomb,
His riding up the heav'nly way,
His coming at the day of doom,
I bind unto myself today.

3 I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.

4 I bind unto myself today
The pow'r 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 heav'nly host to be my guard.

5 I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three,
Of whom all nature has creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation;
Salvation is of Christ the Lord!

Text Information

• First Line: I bind unto myself today
• Title: I Bind unto Myself Today
• Author: St. Patrick, c. 372-466
• Paraphraser: Cecil F. Alexander, 1823-1895
• Meter: irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1978
• Topic: Holy Baptism; The Holy Trinity; Trust, Guidance

Tune Information

• Name: ST. PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE
• Meter: irregular
• Key: g minor
• Source: Irish
• Copyright: Setting © 1969 Concordia Publishing House