What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.

   - Psalm 116.12-14

This is why I cannot remain silent (further, it would be inappropriate to do so) about the great favours and graces which the Lord deigned to grant me in the land of my captivity. For the way to make repayment for that revelation of God through capture and enslavement is to declare and make known His wonders to every race under heaven.

   - Patrick, Confession, British, 5th century

Patrick’s motivation for ministry was clear: he was profoundly grateful for the grace of God shown to him through six years of enslavement. He knew he deserved God’s wrath; yet God showed him mercy, and continued to hear his prayers and to make Himself known to the frightened, guilt-ridden youth. 

Patrick could only respond to such abundant grace by making known the goodness and mercy of God to everyone who would listen. Compare this with the reticence of so many believers today when it comes to talking about our faith. Would that we had more the attitude of Patrick and the psalmist! I love this gesture in Psalm 116. Hoist the glass of salvation for all to see and join in, toast the God of salvation for all to hear, then drink down the glass until you’re drunk with the Spirit and the salvation of God (Eph. 5.18-21).

This is the only reasonable response to all that God has done for us. Hold Him up for all to see; call on all men to join us in honoring and celebrating Him; fill our lives with His goodness and truth so that we obey Him in the presence of all people.

This was the example of Patrick’s life. Through earnest prayer like Patrick’s we, too, can have this kind of life with God.

Aren’t we all rather tired of a merely routine faith, one that goes through the motions of piety and goodness, but lacks any power for turning our world rightside-up for Jesus? Drink up the salvation of the Lord, brethren, more and more each day, as you seek Him in His Word and wait on Him in prayer. Then go forth – filled with the Spirit – to walk as an eager and obedient witness to Jesus Christ!

You’ll drink down what you love, whether the things of this world or those of the Lord, and what you drink will determine the course of your life.

Remember Patrick, and drink to the Lord.

Psalm 116.10-14 (Mit Freuden Zart: “All Praise to God Who Reigns Above”)
Afflicted, I believe His Word, though lying men would undo me.
What shall I render to the Lord for all His blessings to me?
Salvation’s cup I lift above and call upon the God of love
And pay my vows most truly.

Lord, there is nothing more precious than love for you, if only we will perform it. Adapted from Oengus mac Oengobann, Féilire Oengusso