Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi Patron of the Poor

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

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.

The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, often referred to as the "Prayer for Peace," is a widely recognized and cherished prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. While its exact authorship by Saint Francis is debated by scholars, its sentiments perfectly encapsulate his spirit and teachings.

The prayer begins with a plea to be an instrument of peace: "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace." It then outlines specific virtues and actions: "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."

The prayer continues by expressing a desire for selflessness: "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 reflects Francis's emphasis on giving rather than receiving, a core tenet of his life and the Franciscan tradition.

The concluding lines articulate the spiritual paradox of Christian life: "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 final section highlights themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life, all central to Franciscan spirituality and the imitation of Christ.

Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182, famously renounced his wealthy upbringing to embrace a life of radical poverty and service to God. His decision to choose poverty was not a state imposed upon him, but a deliberate choice driven by his profound love for God and a desire to imitate Jesus Christ. He even personified this ideal as "Lady Poverty," seeing it as a path to freedom and guidance in serving God. This commitment to poverty and humility is a foundational aspect of the Franciscan Order he founded, which includes the Order of Friars Minor, the Poor Clares, and the Third Order of St. Francis.

Beyond poverty, Saint Francis is also renowned for his deep connection with animals and nature, his efforts as a peacemaker, and his emphasis on humility. He is the patron saint of Italy and ecology. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions, offering an example of how to live a life devoted to God, service, and peace in a world often characterized by excess and conflict.