The following prayer was not written by Francis of Assisi but sums up his ideals and although probably written at the end of the 19th century or beginning of the 20th century, is relevant for us today.

The following adaptation was written by Michael Daly CJ .

       Prayer of St Francis

 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace....

Where hatred lives...let me sow love;

Where injury has divided and hurt...may I sow reconciliation, bringing pardon, healing and deliverance;

Where doubt pervades...let me sow true faith in you;

Where despair destroys...let me bring the hope of your gospel;

Where darkness is the covering...let me dispel it by bringing the light of your presence;

Where sadness consumes...let me sow joy, that all may with joy draw water from you the wellspring of our salvation.

Divine Master and Lord of all consolation grace and love; grant that I may by your Spirit, console, understand and love all whom I meet, communicate and share this earth with, seeking always to serve their needs rather than my own.

For in giving we receive, in pardoning we are pardoned and in dying we are born to eternal life..through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen

 

 Adaptation by Michael Daly. CJ  2007

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Prayer Before a Crucifix

An adaptation of the earliest recorded prayer of St Francis of Assisi in San Damiano.

 

Most high and glorious God,

please bring your light to the darkness of my heart

and give me true faith in you,

firm hope

and Perfect love.

Lord Jesus Christ let me by the counsel of your Holy Spirit,

have right feelings

and knowledge  

so that I may properly

undertake the task you have given me.

To show forth the glorious excellency of you my Lord and God.

Amen

Adaptation by Michael Daly. CJ  2008