The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink?
When evil-doers draw near to devour my flesh it is they, my enemies and foes who stumble and fall.
Though any army encamp against me my heart should not fear. Though war break out against me even then I should trust.
But no man over earth's midst is so proud-spirited so thoroughly equipped so keen in his youth
so brave in his deeds or so loyal to his Lord that before faring on the sea he does not fear a little wither the Lord shall lead him in the end.
Sources: The Glenstal Book of Prayer, a benedictine prayer book, Dublin 2002; the Old English poem 'The Seafarer', preserved in the Exeter Book dating from the late 10th century.
