The "Peace Prayer of St. Francis" is a widely known prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic saint who lived in the 12th and 13th centuries. While there is some debate about its authorship, this prayer is commonly associated with St. Francis due to its alignment with his teachings and spirit.
St. Francis' Prayer of Peace is a timeless expression of humility, love, and service to others.
The opening lines encapsulate the essence of St. Francis's approach to life. He was known for his commitment to peace, love, and compassion, and this prayer reflects his desire to bring these virtues into the world.
Peace Prayer of St. Francis
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. Amen.
Spanish Version of St. Francis Prayer
Oración por la paz (San Francisco de Asís)
Señor, haz de mi un instrumento de tu paz.
Que allá donde hay odio, yo ponga el amor.
Que allá donde hay ofensa, yo ponga el perdón.
Que allá donde hay discordia, yo ponga la unión.
Que allá donde hay error, yo ponga la verdad.
Que allá donde hay duda, yo ponga la Fe.
Que allá donde desesperación, yo ponga la esperanza.
Que allá donde hay tinieblas, yo ponga la luz.
Que allá donde hay tristeza, yo ponga la alegría.
Oh Señor,
que yo no busque tanto ser consolado, cuanto consolar,
ser comprendido, cuanto comprender,
ser amado, cuanto amar.
Porque es dándose como se recibe,
es olvidándose de sí mismo como uno se encuentra a sí mismo,
es perdonando, como se es perdonado,
es muriendo como se resucita a la vida eterna. Amén.
Who was St Francis of Assisi?
Saint Francis of Assisi, born in the late 12th century (around 1181 or 1182) in Assisi, Italy, was a Catholic friar and the founder of the Franciscan Order. He is one of the most beloved and venerated saints in the Catholic Church and is also recognized as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Francis was born into a wealthy family but chose a life of poverty and service to God. He experienced a spiritual conversion and dedicated himself to a life of simplicity, humility, and devotion to Christ. He renounced his wealth and embraced a life of poverty, living among the poor and preaching the message of love, peace, and compassion.
One of the well-known stories associated with St. Francis is his affinity for animals. It is said that he had a deep connection with all of God's creation, referring to animals as his brothers and sisters. The most famous account is the "Canticle of the Creatures," a poem that praises God for the beauty of the natural world and all living beings.
In 1209, Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, which emphasized a life of poverty, humility, and preaching the Gospel. The order grew rapidly and played a significant role in the religious and social life of medieval Europe.
St. Francis died on October 3, 1226, and he was canonized as a saint just two years after his death. His teachings and example inspire people worldwide, and his feast day is celebrated on October 4th each year.
Meaning of "Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace"
The phrase "make me an instrument of peace" in the prayer of St. Francis expresses a deep desire to be a channel or vessel through which peace can be brought into the world. St. Francis is asking to be used by God as a means to spread peace and harmony, recognizing that he can be a tool in God's hands to bring about positive change.
It reflects the humility and selflessness of St. Francis, acknowledging that he is not seeking personal glory but rather seeking to serve a higher purpose, contributing to the well-being and tranquility of the world. The prayer, in essence, is a plea for the individual to be a force for good and reconciliation in the world.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ~ Isaiah 26:3
Discover more prayers for peace to seek God's presence in your life!
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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