Prayer for Decision Making of Saint Francis

Prayer of St. Francis for Decision‑Making / Discernment

Most High and Glorious God, Enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity. Give me true insight and wisdom, so that I may always discern Your holy and true will in all the decisions I face. Amen.

The "Prayer for Decision Making" specifically attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi is not widely recognized as a distinct prayer in the same way as his more famous "Peace Prayer" or "Canticle of the Creatures." However, Franciscan spirituality, deeply rooted in Saint Francis's life and teachings, offers principles and prayers that guide individuals in discerning God's will and making decisions.

Franciscan spirituality emphasizes discernment as a spiritual practice of seeking God's will and guidance, responding with openness and trust to the Holy Spirit's promptings. This process requires patience, prayer, and deep listening to God's voice, which can be heard through Scripture, the wisdom of others, and personal reflection.

While there isn't a single prayer titled "Prayer for Decision Making" by Saint Francis, several prayers and principles from Franciscan tradition can be applied to decision-making:

• Prayer Before the San Damiano Crucifix: This prayer, attributed to Saint Francis, asks for enlightenment of the heart, true faith, certain hope, perfect charity, and the sense and knowledge to carry out God's holy and true command. This directly relates to seeking divine guidance for decisions.

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

• General Prayers for Guidance: Many prayers within the Christian tradition, including those found in Franciscan resources, focus on seeking God's guidance and wisdom. For example, a common prayer for guidance asks, "Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Another similar prayer asks God to guide the meek in judgment and to provide light in darkness, saving from false choices and helping to see light in God's light.

• Prayer for Enlightenment: A prayer from "A Letter to the Entire Order" attributed to Francis asks for the grace to do God's will, to desire what pleases God, and to be inwardly cleansed, enlightened, and inflamed by the Holy Spirit to follow Christ's footsteps. This aligns with seeking clarity and divine direction in choices.

• The Serenity Prayer: While not by Saint Francis, the Serenity Prayer, authored by Reinhold Niebuhr, is widely used for decision-making, asking for "the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. This prayer reflects a practical approach to discerning what actions are within one's control and what requires acceptance.

• Biblical Justice Prayer: This prayer seeks eyes to see structures of injustice, a courageous voice to hold leaders accountable, and the Holy Spirit's guidance to discern what is right to do. This highlights the ethical dimension of decision-making within a faith context.

In essence, a "Prayer for Decision Making" in the spirit of Saint Francis would involve humility, openness to divine inspiration, a desire to align one's will with God's, and a commitment to acting with love and justice. This approach is reflected in various prayers that seek wisdom, understanding, and the ability to discern God's path in life's choices.

OTHER PRAYER: "Most high and glorious God, come and enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me the right faith, certain hope, and perfect love, that everything I do may be in fulfillment of your holy will. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen."