Columba’s Affirmation

Alone with none but Thee, my God,
I journey on my way;
What need I fear, when Thou art near,
O king of night and day?
More safe I am within Thy hand,
Than if a host did round me stand.

My destined time is fixed by Thee,
And death doth know his hour.
Did warriors strong around me throng,
They could not stay his power;
No walls of stone can man defend
When Thou Thy messenger dost send.

My life I yield to Thy decree,
And bow to Thy control
In peaceful calm, for from Thine arm
No power can wrest my soul
Could earthly omens e’er appal.

A man that heeds the heavenly call!
The child of God can fear no ill,
His chosen dread no foe;
We leave our fate with Thee and wait
Thy bidding when we go.

Tis not from chance our comfort springs,
Thou art our trust, O king of kings.
- St. Columba
(trans. unknown)