ALL SAINTS: 🕂Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

One of the most cherished prayers attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi is the Prayer for Peace, often simply referred to as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Here is the prayer:

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.

This prayer beautifully reflects the spirit of Saint Francis’ teachings and his deep devotion to God, emphasizing themes of peace, love, forgiveness, faith, hope, and light. Saint Francis is known for his love for nature and animals and is recognized as the patron saint of the environment and animals. His prayers and life continue to inspire people around the world.

Saint Francis of Assisi is attributed with several beautiful prayers that reflect his deep devotion to God and his desire for a closer relationship with the divine. Here are some of the prayers he wrote:

Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament

This prayer is a devotional act of adoration towards Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

"We adore You, O Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world."

Prayer Before the Crucifix

Often prayed when in front of a crucifix, this prayer is a meditation on the Passion of Christ.

"Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense, and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command."

Prayer Given to Brother Leo

A prayer of blessing and encouragement that Francis gave to his close companion, Brother Leo.

"The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and be merciful to you.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!"

The Canticle of the Sun (Canticle of All Creatures)

A song of praise for God’s creation.

"Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,

Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,

especially Sir Brother Sun,

Who is the day and through whom do You give us light?

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;

and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,

in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,

and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather

through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,

who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom You light the night,

and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us,

and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,

and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace

for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whom no living man can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,

for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks

and serve Him with great humility."

The Praises of God and the Blessing

This prayer includes praises to God and a blessing for Brother Leo.

"You are holy, Lord, the only God,

and Your deeds are wonderful.

You are strong.

You are great.

You are the Most High.

You are Almighty.

You, Holy Father, are King of heaven and earth.

You are Three and One, Lord God, all good.

You are good, all good, supreme good,

Lord God, living and true.

You are love, You are wisdom.

You are humility, You are endurance.

You are rest, You are peace.

You are joy and gladness.

You are justice and moderation.

You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.

You are beauty.

You are gentleness.

You are our protector.

You are our guardian and defender.

You are courage.

You are our haven and our hope.

You are our faith, our great consolation.

You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord,

God almighty, merciful Savior.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and be merciful to you.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!"