Irish prayers offer people hope, guidance and direction.
They can be used in many different circumstances and can easily become part of your daily routine.
Discover more about their origins, meanings and which prayer blessings from Ireland are the most popular.
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Table of Contents
- 1 What are Irish Prayer Blessings?
- 2 History of Irish Prayers and Blessings
- 3 Popular Irish Prayers
- 4 The Irish Prayer
- 5 Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
- 6 Saint Patrick’s Behold
- 7 Irish Prayer for Protection
- 8 Irish Prayers
- 9 Irish Prayer for the Sick
- 10 Irish Prayers for Healing
- 11 Irish Prayers for Dead
- 12 Irish Funeral Prayer
- 13 Irish Prayer for Christmas
- 14 Prayers in Irish
- 15 Non Religious Irish Prayer Blessings
- 16 How to Use Irish Prayers
- 17 Ways to Integrate Irish Prayers into Your Life
- 18 Traditional Irish Blessings and Prayers
What are Irish Prayer Blessings?
Irish prayer blessings are popular prayers that originated in Ireland.
These prayers provide hope, guidance, protection and comfort to many.
In some cases, prayers have been passed down through generations of families.
Others are more modern inventions and are probably not based on old Irish blessings or prayers.
Irish prayers draw their inspiration from Irish culture and values and have a strong basis in Christianity.
The language and imagery of nature are frequently integrated into the wording of the prayers and blessings.
This reiterates the long standing connections between the people and the land in everyday life.
Some of the most well known Irish prayers include “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You” and “Saint Patrick’s Breastplate”.
What do Irish Prayers focus on?
Some prayers focus on good health, wellbeing, luck and fortune.
There are also prayers and blessings to wish someone well for their future, whatever may lie ahead of them.
Wedding Blessings from Ireland would be one example of this and there are also lots of different Irish birthday blessings as well.
Others are pleas for help and guidance, particularly in times of hardship and difficulty.
During times of sickness and ill health, prayers of healing can be recited.
Farewell prayers are also one of the themes covered by Irish prayers.
These partings may just be temporary, such as prayers for travel.
However, there are also prayers for death and funeral prayers.
When are Irish Prayers and Blessings used?
There are a variety of different circumstances when Irish prayers can be used.
Weddings and funerals commonly feature Irish prayers.
Other religious ceremonies, such as Baptisms, Communions and Confirmations also may feature Irish prayers.
Irish prayers are also used on a regular basis by many as positive affirmations about life and happiness.
They are used as part of daily devotions to help maintain and strengthen people’s faith.
In some homes, there may be a plaque on the wall with a popular Irish blessing.
Irish prayers are not only popular in Ireland, but also in other parts of the world.
History of Irish Prayers and Blessings
The Irish have a way with words. They are known for their rich and entertaining myths and legends that are an integral part of the storytelling culture, which dates back centuries.
Celtic druids passed down their knowledge orally between the generations.
Their knowledge of history, folklore and Celtic blessings was deemed so valuable that it was not to be written in case it fell into the wrong hands.
The value of the spoken word has continued in the form of the Irish Prayers.
Christianity spread through Ireland from about the 5th century onwards.
Saint Patrick was not the first person to try to convert the Irish pagan Celts to Christianity.
However, he was very successful with this task and his legacy is the most enduring.
Much of Irish culture is deeply rooted in Christianity, and in particular Catholicism.
God and the Holy Spirit are frequently referenced in Irish prayers and blessings as a provider of spiritual guidance.
Not all Irish prayers include a religious aspect, some also focus on other central themes in life. These include love, birth and rebirth, as well as friendship.
Why are Irish Prayers popular?
The language and simple meanings conveyed in Irish prayers give them a widespread and enduring appeal for many.
Irish prayers provide both spiritual and emotional support. They can be used in times of joy, happiness and celebration as a form of thanksgiving.
In times of sorrow and hardship, they can provide comfort and solace to those that need a little extra support.
Other people tend to use the prayers as a form of communication and way to express their faith.
These are blessings Irish people recite, but they are also popular elsewhere.
Many people with Irish heritage find the cultural significance of these prayers important.
For these individuals, the connection with their ancestry and roots is very meaningful and moving. This helps to contribute to a sense of belonging.
As with many short Irish Blessings, Irish Prayers also tend to spotlight the positive points in life that make it worth living.
They help to focus our attention on the good aspects in our lives that we encounter on a daily basis.
Gratefulness and appreciation are important and we sometimes need reminders of this.
There is also an underlying thread that aims to show us that hard times will also pass eventually.
Hope and optimism are very much present in old Irish prayers.
Popular Irish Prayers
There are many different prayers that are popular in Ireland. Some people may choose to say these prayers on a daily basis, while others may only use them from time to time.
We hope you find some prayers to suit your specific needs.
The Irish Prayer
The Irish Prayer is also well known as The Irish Blessing, or simply as “May the Road Rise to Meet You”.
Over time, the exact origins of this enduring Irish prayer have been lost.
However, it is probably one of the most well known and well liked of all Irish Prayers and Blessings.
Related Article: The Complete Guide to May the Road Rise to Meet You
There are some slight variations to the wording. Two of the most commonly used versions are shown below.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
The alternative version of this prayer is as follows:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
What is the meaning of the Irish Prayer?
The Irish Prayer is a short blessing that wishes someone well for their life stage or journey ahead.
It hopes that their path in life will be an easy one and that the person will be supported along the way.
When to use the Irish Prayer?
The Irish Prayer is very verstitle and is regularly used in a variety of circumstances.
Both joyful and sad occasions can be appropriate times to use this particular prayer.
The Irish Prayer for a New Beginning
This prayer is commonly used to mark a new chapter in one’s life or a new beginning.
Examples of this would be Irish wedding celebrations, where two people embark on their future lives together.
Moving location or starting a new job could also be good times to use this prayer.
The Irish Prayer as an Irish Farewell Blessings
A new start can also mean a journey in the physical sense.
The Irish Prayer can act as an Irish farewell prayer or an Irish blessing for travel for such circumstances.
Irish Prayer for Funerals
The final chapter in life can also be marked by this prayer.
As a final parting wish, these comforting words may be used to accompany the deceased and provide solace for the loved ones left behind.
Related Article: Comforting Irish Funeral Blessings
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
It was originally written in about the 11th century in the Irish language.
This old Irish blessing prayer is now most commonly recited as a hymn.
The second verse which is included here is possibly the most popular.
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 when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Saint Patrick’s Behold
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
Irish Prayer for Protection
May the love and protection
Saint Patrick can give
Be yours in abundance
As long as you live.
Bonus Tip: Saint Patrick’s breastplate, Saint Patrick’s Behold and the Prayer to Saint Patrick for protection can all be used as Irish blessings for St Patrick’s Day.
Irish Prayers
May God be with you and bless you,
May you see your children’s children,
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.
May your days be many and your troubles few,
May God’s blessing descend upon you.
May peace be within you and may your heart be strong
May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.
Irish Prayer for the Sick
If you are looking for an Irish prayer for strength to overcome an illness, the following words of reassurance might help you or others.
With the help of God, you’ll get through it.
May the Lord keep you in His hand
And never close His fist too tight.
Irish Prayers for Healing
Many people turn to prayer in times of suffering.
An Irish Prayer for healing can be shared with someone who is experiencing physical pain.
It can also be used to provide comfort and support in times of emotional and spiritual troubles as well.
These prayers provide solace by helping to increase resilience during life’s hardships.
May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
We cannot share this sorrow
If we haven’t grieved a while.
Nor can we feel another’s joy
Until we’ve learned to smile.
Irish Prayers for Dead
This Irish prayer for the dead is an old Irish blessing.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam
(May his soul be on God’s right hand/May he rest in peace)
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
(May her soul be on God’s right hand/May she rest in peace)
Irish Funeral Prayer
May the Road Rise to Meet You (as mentioned above) is one of the most commonly used Irish funeral prayers.
Its simple meaning can act as a highly suitable Irish funeral blessing.
The use of this prayer can also be appreciated by the family and friends of the deceased. This is especially the case if the departed person had Irish connections.
Until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Irish Prayer for Christmas
May the Blessings of Christmas be with you,
May the Christ Child light your way,
May God’s holy angels guide you,
And keep you safe each day.
Prayers in Irish
This is the translation of The Irish Prayer or The Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise to Meet you).
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat
Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl
Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh
Go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna
Agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís,
Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú.
These Irish prayers in Gaelic Irish can be used as a way to say “may he or she rest in peace”.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam
(May his soul be on God’s right hand/May he rest in peace)
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
(May her soul be on God’s right hand/May she rest in peace)
Related post: Do you know how to say Happy Birthday in Irish?
Non Religious Irish Prayer Blessings
If you are looking for an Irish pray for luck, happiness or friendship, here are some ideas.
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
And warm your heart
Till it glows like a great peat fire.
Related Article: Irish Blessings for Friendship
How to Use Irish Prayers
Irish prayers have the potential to be a useful resource for many people in terms of both their mental and physical well-being.
They can be used as a way to express our gratitude for our lives and our loved ones.
By focusing on what we have rather than what we do not have, we help our minds to think more positively.
This “glass half full attitude” can have quite substantial positive knock on effects in one’s whole life.
The positive affirmations found in the prayers can also help to build our strength and inner strength.
They can help us to face challenges in a brave new way and persevere in difficult situations.
Related Article: Guide to Celtic Symbols for Strength and Inner Strength
Certain prayers provide insight and clarity into situations that could otherwise overwhelm us.
This can assist us to stay on track when we are pursuing our goals and priorities.
By helping to highlight what is important, prayers aid us in seeing different options and suitable directions forward.
When words fail us, prayers can stand in as expressions of hope and reassurance in most circumstances.
These words can help connect us to others and contribute to a sense of community and mutual support during tough times.
They also help to remind us that we have mighty strength within us.
Ways to Integrate Irish Prayers into Your Life
How you choose to include Irish Prayers in your life will depend entirely upon you.
You might like to set up a morning routine, whereby you can recite an Irish Prayer that feels particularly meaningful.
This could be part of a daily worship, meditation or mindfulness routine. Some people like to set an intention for this practice which they try to focus on throughout their day.
One or two prayers may suit you and your needs very well.
Perhaps these positive affirmations could become a sort of mantra that you can recite to yourself whenever you need to.
They might provide you with inspiration, courage or a deep sense of peace.
The beautiful imagery and poetic language of the Irish Prayers can be creatively integrated into different artistic pursuits.
Personalized greeting cards, wall blessings and lots more can be created from the simple words of Irish Prayers.
These are a great way to share the uplifting messages with friends and family.
Traditional Irish Blessings and Prayers
There are many other old Irish blessings and prayers that form an integral part of Irish culture.
Humor is commonplace in Irish culture and features often in many Irish blessings. You can discover some Irish wit in these funny Irish Blessings.
Discover more about these prayers and blessings on this website.
FAQs
What is the Irish prayer of comfort? ›
May your days be many and your troubles be few, May all God's blessings descend upon you, May peace be within you, May your heart be strong, May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam. and the insight to know when you're going too far.
What is the traditional Irish blessing prayer? ›May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. This traditional Irish blessing is an ancient Celtic prayer.
What is the Irish blessing for sympathy? ›“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” “Lord, we are grieving now for someone we loved and cherished.
What is the most famous Irish blessing? ›The most traditional and well known of all the Irish blessings is 'May the road rise up'. It was written a very long time ago, and is often recited and wedding and special ceremonies and sometimes said as a prayer. It goes as follows: May the road rise up to meet you.
What is the emotional comfort prayer? ›Lord Jesus, we ask you to give us all around peace in our mind, body, soul and spirit. We want you to heal and remove everything that is causing stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives. Please guide our path through life and make our enemies be at peace with us.
What is a short prayer for comfort and courage? ›I pray to you as I am desperate for help. I need to know that you care, that you love me, be my refuge from pain, replacing my distress with peace, and be my strength when I feel weak and find it hard to carry on.
What is a good prayer for strength? ›Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.
What is the most famous Irish saying? ›- If you're enough lucky to be Irish… ...
- Here's health to your enemies' enemies!
- May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.
- May the wind always be at your back.
- May you be at the gates of heaven an hour before the devil knows you're dead!
- Here's to a long life and a merry one.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” / “May their soul be on God's right hand.” This traditional Gaelic blessing is pronounced “Err yesh Day guh rev ah ann-am.”
What is the best sympathy prayer? ›O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, that You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life's hardships.
How do you express sympathy in Irish? ›
Sincere condolences to you on the death of your beloved husband / wife and I am / we are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. My (s)he rest in peace. Glac mo chomhbhrón / ár gcomhbhrón le do thoil as chailliúint do mháthair / d'athair / do dheirfiúr / do dheartháir / do mhac / d'iníon.
What are Irish traditions for grief? ›Irish wakes are a celebration of life - one last party to honor the deceased. The name “wake” originated because unknown diseases had plagued the countryside causing some to appear dead. As the family began to mourn, they would awaken. For this reason, the body is waked in the deceased's home for at least one night.
What are some Irish blessings for family and friends? ›May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home, May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam. There are good ships and there are wood ships, Ships that sail the sea, But the best ships are friendships, May they always be. May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
What is the Irish blessing quote? ›"May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door," is an old Irish blessing, frequently recounted.
What are the Irish blessings for happiness? ›“May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore!” “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.
What is the prayer of comfort and protection? ›I pray for Your protection as I begin this day. You are my hiding place, and under Your wings I can always find refuge. Protect me from trouble wherever I go, and keep evil far from me. No matter where I am, I will look to You as my Protector, the one who fights for me every day.
What is the prayer of comfort and healing? ›Think, O' God, of our friend who is ill, whom we now commend to Your compassionate regard. that no healing is too hard if it be Your will. We therefore pray that You bless our friend with Your loving care, renew his/her strength, and heal what ails him/her in Your loving name.
What verse is comfort to comfort others? ›2 Corinthians 1:4 New Century Version (NCV)
He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.
A Prayer for Happiness and Strength
Thank you for being my fortress, my refuge, and my salvation. Lord, I need strength to continue to pursue the race before me. I ask for happiness, boldness, and strength every day. While I know there will be hard times, I also know that with You, all things are possible.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the compassion you have shown to us. We pray that we will follow your example being compassionate and kind, slow to anger, and abounding in your love. Amen. Dear God, Help us to be kind to others when they are sad or when they are feeling down.
What is a Catholic prayer for strength and courage? ›
We know, O Lord, that You call us to build Your kingdom here on earth through love and care of those around us who are most vulnerable and most in need. Today, I lift up my friend, who is weary, suffering and in need of strength. Give them the power to live today in courage and hope.
What is the most powerful prayer ever? ›It is called the "Jesus Prayer", and it consists simply in uttering the single word "Jesus" (or "Lord Jesus", or "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner") in any situation, at any time and place, either aloud or silently.
What is the miracle prayer for strength? ›Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever.
What is the best short prayer? ›“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
What is the Irish proverb for strength? ›“Ní neart go cur le chéile”
When it comes to Irish proverbs and their meanings, this is one of the most heart-warming: “There is strength in unity” or “we are better together.” It is telling us that we can do more if we work together.
The Irish proverb for today's Wednesday Wisdom is There is no strength without unity. This is a powerful quote and so true. We are always stronger standing together. Supporting each other in life and work.
What is a nice Irish saying? ›“Top o the mornin to ya!” Would a piece about Irish phrases be complete if we didn't mention this classic? But did you know, although the phrase originated in Ireland, it is rarely, if ever, used there today, and is usually only bandied about as a cliched Irish-ism rather than as a sincere greeting.
What is the Irish prayer for friends? ›An Irish prayer – a traditional prayer for a friend
“May God give you, for every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sign a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.”
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (St John Chapter 10 verses 27 – 28). Reader, may you know this security in your own life.
What is the Irish prayer light? ›May the blessing of light be upon you, light on the outside and light on the inside. With God's sunlight shining on you, may your heart glow with warmth like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike. May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes like a candle in the window, welcoming the weary traveller.
What are the 3 powerful prayers? ›
The prayer of protection. The prayer of transformation. The prayer of restoration.
What is a good short sympathy message? ›I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thinking of you in these difficult times.
What do the Irish say when someone dies in Gaelic? ›Irish language blessings for death and funerals
This Gaelic blessing literally translates to “May his/her/their soul be on God's right hand”. Furthermore, you can pronounce this as “Err yesh Day guh rev ah ann-am”. In addition, you can also utter Solas Mhic Dé ar a n-anam for the departed ones.
A phrase that you will see on Irish tombstones is “Suaimhneas Síoraí Air” or “Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air” — “Eternal Rest be Upon Him” (apply correct pronoun as required). This is the closest you can get in Irish to a direct translation of “Rest in Peace.”
What is the Irish poem for funerals? ›May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
What Colours do Irish wear to mourning? ›The wearing of black is of course long associated with mourning and grief because the colour black symbolises the dark period of mourning endured by the family in bereavements – widow's weeds are black.
What do people in Ireland do when someone dies? ›Every death in Ireland must be recorded and registered at a civil registration office. You should register the death as soon as possible. It must be registered within 3 months. You need a death notification form, which you can get from the doctor who attended the person.
Why do Irish cover mirrors when someone dies? ›The Irish wake is a well-known funeral tradition where the family of the deceased covers all mirrors in the home. To hide the physical body from the soul, the family turns mirrors to face the wall. Some Irish superstitions say that if you look in a mirror long enough, you'll see a devil looking over your shoulder.
What is the best prayer for comfort? ›“Lord, You love me and by Your grace have given me eternal comfort and a wonderful hope. Now, comfort and strengthen me in every good thing I do and say.”
What is an example of a prayer of comfort? ›O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, that You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life's hardships.
What is the Irish funeral prayer Death is nothing at all? ›
The Irish prayer "Death is nothing at all" is a powerful reminder that death is not the end, but merely a transition. It acknowledges the pain of loss while offering hope and comfort to those left behind.
What is a powerful uplifting prayer? ›Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.
What is an uplifting prayer for a loved one? ›A Prayer for Loved Ones
We thank you for many blessings. We pray you may bless and fill our family with love, peace and prosperity. We also pray for joy, abundance and strength. We pray for great health and continued healing.
It is called the "Jesus Prayer", and it consists simply in uttering the single word "Jesus" (or "Lord Jesus", or "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner") in any situation, at any time and place, either aloud or silently.
What is the most comforting Bible verse? ›One of the most comforting verses in the Bible is found in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not leave you or forsake you."
What is a good scripture for comfort? ›1 Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Irish wakes are a celebration of life - one last party to honor the deceased. The name “wake” originated because unknown diseases had plagued the countryside causing some to appear dead. As the family began to mourn, they would awaken. For this reason, the body is waked in the deceased's home for at least one night.
What is a happy Irish song for a funeral? ›“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” by Chauncey Olcott
“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” is more of a celebratory song that is often played at funerals with a more upbeat vibe.
Sincere condolences to you on the death of your beloved husband / wife and I am / we are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. My (s)he rest in peace. Glac mo chomhbhrón / ár gcomhbhrón le do thoil as chailliúint do mháthair / d'athair / do dheirfiúr / do dheartháir / do mhac / d'iníon.