Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace)

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;
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.

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, also known as the "Peace Prayer" or "Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace," is a timeless expression of humility, love, and service. Though attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian saint, its authorship remains uncertain. This prayer beautifully encapsulates the essence of Franciscan spirituality and has become a cherished part of Christian devotion worldwide.

Breakdown of its verses:

1. "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."
   This opening line sets the tone for the prayer, expressing the desire to be used by God as a channel of peace and reconciliation in the world.

2. "Where there is hatred, let me sow love."
   St. Francis invokes the power of love to overcome hatred, encouraging us to actively cultivate love in places where it is lacking.

3. "Where there is injury, pardon."
   This line speaks to the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, inviting us to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

4. "Where there is doubt, faith."
   St. Francis encourages us to replace doubt with faith, trusting in God's providence and guidance even in uncertain times.

5. "Where there is despair, hope."
   In the face of despair and hopelessness, the prayer calls for the infusion of hope, reminding us of the enduring presence of God's light and grace.

6. "Where there is darkness, light."
   This line invokes the transformative power of God's light to dispel darkness and bring clarity and understanding.

7. "Where there is sadness, joy."
   St. Francis acknowledges the reality of sadness and sorrow but encourages us to seek joy and consolation in God's love and grace.

8. "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."
   This verse reflects a selfless attitude of service and empathy, urging us to prioritize comforting and understanding others over seeking comfort and understanding for ourselves.

9. "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."
   The prayer concludes with a profound reflection on the paradoxes of Christian life – that in giving, we receive; in forgiving, we are forgiven; and in dying to self, we find eternal life in Christ.

This prayer continues to inspire individuals around the world to live lives of compassion, service, and peace, embodying the spirit of St. Francis and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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