The Prayer of St. Francis

Saturday, March 20th, 2010 | Lent Meditations, Spiritual Disciplines

The following prayer is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). As we pray it, it reminds us that God intends for us to be agents of His change in the world, carrying His light and love into dark places. We are instruments in His hands, divinely empowered to be His people and do His work.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

Tags: Lent 2010, Prayer