I Bind Unto Myself Today – Hymn Lyric
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I Bind Unto Myself Today – Hymn Lyric
I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spiced tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.
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.
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.
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.
Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
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.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Meaning of I Bind Unto Myself Today
I Bind Unto Myself Today: Finding Strength and Protection through Faith
In the hymn “I Bind Unto Myself Today,” the lyrics beautifully express the deep connection and reliance on the power of God in our lives. This ancient Irish hymn, attributed to St. Patrick, serves as a source of inspiration and comfort, reminding us of the strength and protection that comes through faith.
The hymn begins by emphasizing the significance of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It proclaims the strong and eternal nature of this divine union, stating, “I bind unto myself today, the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three.” This affirmation highlights the belief in God’s omnipotence and his presence in all aspects of our lives.
Throughout the verses, the hymn expands on the various elements and virtues that we bind unto ourselves through faith. It speaks of Christ’s incarnation, baptism, death, resurrection, and eventual return. These events are not only part of the Christian narrative but also serve as a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made for our salvation and the hope we have in his second coming. Pondering on these aspects helps us ground ourselves in the profound love and compassion of God.
Moving forward, the hymn speaks of cherubim, seraphim, confessors, apostles, patriarchs, and prophets. It recognizes the power of their examples, faith, and intercession. Additionally, it highlights the importance of good deeds and the purity of soul. Through these references, the hymn illustrates the communion of saints and stresses the significance of their prayers and teachings, reminding us of the interconnectedness of believers throughout history.
The hymn continues by binding “unto myself today the virtues of the star-lit 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.” By acknowledging and celebrating the beauty and power of the natural world, the hymn emphasizes the encompassing embrace of God’s creation. It encourages us to find solace and inspiration in the wonders of the Earth, reminding us of the omnipresence of God’s love.
Moreover, the hymn reinforces the belief in God’s protection and guidance. It affirms the power of God to hold and lead, to watch over and listen to our needs. It expresses the desire for God’s wisdom to illuminate our path, his hand to guide us, and his shield to protect us. Understanding that God fortifies us with his divine attributes brings solace, assurance, and a sense of security in difficult times.
The hymn also addresses the challenges we face in life. It acknowledges the presence of sin, temptation, and the internal and external struggles that can hinder our spiritual journey. It declares, “Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile men that mar my course.” By identifying these obstacles, the hymn calls upon the power of God to shield and guide us, acknowledging that we cannot overcome them on our own.
Furthermore, the hymn acknowledges the importance of discernment and vigilance against false teachings, idolatry, and evil intentions. It appeals for protection against the dark forces that seek to harm and mislead. This plea for divine safeguarding reminds us of the constant spiritual battle we face and our continued reliance on God’s strength.
In its closing verses, the hymn invites us to recognize the presence of Christ in every aspect of our lives. It proclaims his presence behind us, before us, beside us, and within us. We are reminded that Christ is with us in moments of calm and of danger, in the hearts of those who love us, as well as in the words of both friends and strangers.
Above all, the hymn glorifies and praises God, affirming faith in the eternal nature of our salvation. It affirms, “Praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.” This final verse reiterates the central message of the hymn: that through the binding of our faith to God, we find strength, protection, and ultimate salvation in Christ.
In conclusion, “I Bind Unto Myself Today” is a deeply profound hymn of faith that encompasses the beauty, power, and love of God. It serves as a source of inspiration for believers and a reminder of the strength and protection found through faith. As we bind unto ourselves the virtues, teachings, and divine attributes mentioned in the hymn, we can find comfort, guidance, and the assurance that God is with us in every aspect of our lives. Let its words sink deep into our hearts and serve as a source of strength and hope as we journey through life, knowing that we are never alone.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
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