The Peace Prayer of St. Francis has long been one of my favorites, but once I became a counselor the words took on even greater meaning for me. Regardless of spiritual beliefs or denomination, I believe the words of this prayer are universal.
St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment. There is some debate around whether or not this prayer was actually composed by St. Francis of Assisi. Either way, please read the prayer/poem below and make your own meaning out of the message!
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;
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 we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen