Just like me, thousands of bloggers must be posting the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi on his day. But, just between us: it is the essence of the path to Holiness, guiding all Christian duties!
Francis, the son of wealthy merchants, stripped himself of his possessions to care for the poor. He lived on the essentials, in material poverty and with a richness of faith. He cared for nature, with a special appreciation for animals. He is “Brother Sun,” as he became known for his close bond with his spiritual companion, Saint Clare, “Sister Moon.”
His prayer, mentioned above, is here:
THE PRAYER OF SAINT 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 discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;1
Where there is error, truth;2
Where there is despair, hope;3
Where there is sadness, joy;4
Where there is darkness, light.5
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek6
To be consoled as to console;7
To be u8nderstood 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.