Praise of God Most High of Saint Francis of Assisi

Praise of God Most High

You are the holy Lord God who does wonderful things.

You are strong, You are great, You are the Most High, You are the almighty King, holy Father, King of heaven and earth.

You are three and one, the Lord God of gods; You are the good, all good, the highest good, Lord God living and true.

You are love, charity; You are wisdom, You are humility; You are patience, You are beauty; You are meekness.

You are security, You are rest; 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 meekness; You are protector, You are guardian and defender; You are strength, You are refreshment.

You are our hope, You are our faith, You are our great consolation; You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord, God almighty, merciful Savior. Amen.

Saint Francis of Assisi expressed his profound devotion and understanding of God through several prayers and writings, notably "The Divine Praises" (also known as "The Praises of God") and "The Canticle of the Creatures" (or "Canticle of the Sun"). These works highlight his deep reverence for God and all creation.

"The Divine Praises" is a prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi that extols the attributes of God. In this prayer, Saint Francis describes God as holy, strong, great, the Most High, Almighty, King of heaven and earth, Three and One, all Good, living and true, love, wisdom, humility, endurance, rest, peace, joy and gladness, justice and moderation, all riches, beauty, gentleness, protector, guardian, defender, courage, haven, hope, faith, great consolation, eternal life, and Merciful Savior. This prayer, sometimes referred to as "St. Francis of Assisi's prayer in praise of God given to Brother Leo," emphasizes God's multifaceted nature and His role in the lives of believers.

Another significant work by Saint Francis is "The Canticle of the Creatures," which is considered one of the earliest known works of Italian literature and a cornerstone of Franciscan spirituality. In this canticle, Saint Francis praises God through various elements of creation, viewing them as "brother" and "sister" He praises God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Stars, Brother Wind, Sister Water, Brother Fire, and Sister Mother Earth, acknowledging their beauty, utility, and their reflection of God's glory. The Canticle also includes praise for those who forgive for God's love and endure sickness and trial, and even through Sister Bodily Death, recognizing it as a part of the journey towards God. This prayer encourages a deep connection with nature and a recognition of God's presence in all aspects of the world. Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si'" draws its name and inspiration from this very canticle, emphasizing the call to care for creation.