Scholar of recent Scottish Gaelic literature Ronald Black has praised Father Allan MacDonald's work of Christian poetry Adhram Thu, Adhbhar Mo Bhith ("I Worship You, O Cause of My Being") as, "A powerful hymn of the St. Patrick's Breastplate type.
The Lorica of Saint Patrick, begins:I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation.
The word "caim" possibly derives from Scottish Gaelic as listed in the Carmina Gadelica meaning "loop, curve, circle, or sanctuary".
However, one usage of a caim prayer involves the creation of an invisible circle around the self with the index finger while the individual turns round.
[7][8] One prayer that is used can be found in the Carmina Gadelic with additions, and by tradition is often attributed to St. Columba: Be to me a bright flame before me Be to me a guiding star above me, Be to me a smooth path below me, Be to me a kind shepherd behind me, Today, tonight, and forever.