Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace – St. Francis of Assisi

Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

The founder of the Franciscans, St. Francis is one of the most beloved figures in church history.  In addition to the “Make Me an Instrument…” prayer, St. Francis has been quoted as saying, “Preach always.  Use words if necessary.”

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,

not so much to be understood as to understand,

not so much to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.