A Popular Saint Francis of Assisi Prayer

The Saint Francis of Assisi prayer

 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Lord, 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 one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in forgiving that one is forgiven,
it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life.

 

Although often attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, the above Saint Francis of Assisi Prayer prayer is entirely absent from his writings. It has been traced back to 1912, published in a small spiritual magazine called La Clochette (The Little Bell), published by a Catholic organization in Paris.

 

 

 

 

Early Life and Conversion

 

Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, remains one of the most revered figures in Christian history and a universal symbol of humility, compassion, and devotion to God. His life journey from a wealthy merchant's son to a humble servant of the poor and marginalized has inspired countless people across the centuries.

Francis was born into a prosperous merchant family, his father Pietro being a cloth merchant involved in trade with France. His mother, Pica de Bourlemont, came from a noble family in Provence. As a young man, Francis enjoyed a privileged upbringing, known for his charm, generosity, and dreams of chivalry. His early years were marked by revelry and a pursuit of worldly success, typical of his social status. However, a series of transformative experiences altered the course of his life forever.

At around the age of 20, Francis participated in a military campaign between Assisi and Perugia. During this time, he was captured and imprisoned for about a year. The harsh conditions of captivity, combined with illness, forced Francis to confront the emptiness of his previous pursuits and the fragility of human glory. This period of suffering became a catalyst for spiritual introspection and a turning point in his life.

Upon his release and return to Assisi, Francis underwent a profound spiritual conversion. He began to experience a deep longing for simplicity and closeness to God. He spent increasing amounts of time in prayer and solitude, seeking clarity about his purpose in life. It was during this period that Francis encountered a leper while riding near Assisi. Initially repulsed by the leper's appearance, Francis overcame his aversion, dismounted, and embraced the afflicted man. He then kissed the leper's hand, an act that shattered his remaining attachments to worldly status and possessions, revealing to him the path of humility and service.

 

 

 

 

Embrace of Poverty and Formation of the Franciscan Order

Francis's conversion culminated in a complete renunciation of wealth and materialism. In a symbolic gesture that shocked his family and the community, he publicly renounced his inheritance by stripping off his expensive clothes and returning them to his father. Clad in a simple tunic, Francis embraced a life of poverty, dedicating himself to serving the poor and marginalized. He rebuilt churches and cared for those afflicted by leprosy, demonstrating a profound love for all people as children of God.

In 1208, Francis received a divine call while praying in the dilapidated chapel of San Damiano. He heard a voice from the crucifix saying, "Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin." Initially interpreting this command literally, Francis began to repair the physical structure of the chapel. However, he soon realized that God's call was deeper and broader—it was a mission to renew and rebuild the Church as a whole, spiritually and morally.

Francis attracted followers who were inspired by his example of humility, simplicity, and joyful devotion to God. In 1209, Pope Innocent III verbally approved the nascent community that Francis had formed, known as the Order of Friars Minor, or the Franciscans. The Franciscan Order grew rapidly, attracting men who sought to emulate Francis's lifestyle of poverty, preaching, and service. Francis emphasized a life of absolute poverty, living without possessions and relying on the generosity of others for their daily needs.

Love for Nature and Creation

Francis had a deep reverence for nature, viewing all creation as a reflection of God's glory. He referred to the sun, moon, and elements as "brother" and "sister," and saw in the natural world a manifestation of God's love and beauty. His famous Canticle of the Sun, written in the Umbrian dialect, praises God for the gifts of creation and celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things.

Francis's love for animals and nature is exemplified in stories of his interactions with birds, wolves, and even a ferocious predator that terrorized the town of Gubbio. Through his gentle demeanor and profound respect for all creatures, Francis demonstrated the harmony and peace that arise from living in accordance with God's will.

Later Years and Stigmata

In his later years, Francis's health declined due to the hardships of his ascetic life. He received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, in 1224 during a mystical experience on Mount La Verna. The stigmata symbolized Francis's deep union with Christ's suffering and marked him as a living witness to the Gospel message of love and redemption.

Saint Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, at the age of 44. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, and his feast day is celebrated on October 4th each year.


Saint Francis of Assisi and the Wolf of Gubbio
The story of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Wolf of Gubbio showcases Francis's profound compassion and his ability to bring about reconciliation even in the most unlikely circumstances.

In the early 13th century, the town of Gubbio, located in the Umbria region of Italy, was plagued by a fearsome wolf. This wolf was not only a threat to livestock but also posed a danger to the townspeople themselves. Its ferocity and relentless attacks had instilled fear and despair among the villagers, who felt powerless against the beast.

Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his deep love for all creatures and his ability to communicate with animals, heard about the situation in Gubbio. Filled with compassion for both the people and the wolf, Francis decided to intervene, hoping to bring peace and harmony back to the troubled town.

As Francis approached Gubbio, he encountered a group of terrified villagers who warned him about the wolf and tried to dissuade him from continuing on his path. Undeterred, Francis reassured them of his intention to confront the wolf and bring about a resolution that would benefit everyone.

Francis ventured into the forest where the wolf was known to roam. To the villagers' amazement, the wolf appeared before Francis, growling and baring its teeth in a threatening manner. Instead of showing fear or aggression, Francis approached the wolf calmly and began to speak to it in a gentle, soothing voice.

Francis addressed the wolf as "Brother Wolf," acknowledging its place in God's creation and expressing his desire for peace and reconciliation. He reminded the wolf of the harm it had caused to the townspeople and their livestock, but also acknowledged that the wolf was acting out of hunger and survival instincts.

As Francis continued to speak, the wolf's demeanor began to change. It listened attentively to Francis's words and eventually approached him meekly, indicating its willingness to make amends. Francis proposed a pact between the wolf and the townspeople—a promise that if the villagers would provide food for the wolf, it would cease its attacks and no longer threaten them or their livestock.

The villagers, witnessing this extraordinary encounter, were moved by Francis's ability to communicate with the wolf and bring about a peaceful resolution. They agreed to Francis's proposal, and from that day onward, the wolf lived peacefully among them. It would come into the town regularly to receive food from the villagers, who now saw the wolf not as a threat but as a reminder of Francis's compassion and the power of reconciliation.

The story of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Wolf of Gubbio is cherished for its powerful message of peace, forgiveness, and understanding. It illustrates Francis's deep reverence for all creatures and his belief in the interconnectedness of God's creation. By approaching the wolf with love and empathy rather than fear or aggression, Francis demonstrated his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and compassion.

This legendary tale has inspired countless interpretations and artistic representations over the centuries, emphasizing Francis's enduring legacy as a peacemaker and advocate for harmony among all beings. It serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of love and the possibility of reconciliation, even in seemingly irreconcilable situations.

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The Saint Francis of Assisi Prayer is popular amongst Christians. Another favorite Saint of ours is Saint Philomena. Read about Saint Philomena here.