For it is in giving that we receive - a short essay on A Prayer for Peace

A Prayer for Peace: The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

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 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,

In pardoning that we are pardoned,   

And in dying that we are born to eternal life.   

Amen

St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian Catholic monk, is renowned for his love of nature, his compassion for animals, and his unwavering commitment to peace. His simple yet profound prayer, often referred to as the "Prayer for Peace," has resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds for centuries.

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, also known as A Prayer for Peace, is a timeless call for compassion, humility, and love. This prayer, attributed to St. Francis but actually appearing in its current form only in the early 20th century, captures the saint's spirit of peace and selflessness.

It opens with the famous line, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace," inviting the faithful to be channels of God’s love and peace in the world. Each line contrasts forces of discord—hatred, doubt, despair—with virtues that overcome them—love, faith, hope.

The prayer encourages us to seek consolation, understanding, and love for others over self-serving desires. It’s a profound reminder that peace is not only the absence of conflict but also the active pursuit of kindness, forgiveness, and unity, making it a deeply moving plea for those striving to live in harmony with others and the world.

Breaking down the Prayer

• "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace." This opening line sets the intention of the prayer: to be a tool for peace in the world.

• "Where there is hatred, let me sow love." This line calls on us to respond to hatred with love, offering a powerful antidote to negativity.

• "Where there is injury, pardon." Forgiveness is presented as a means of healing and reconciliation.

• "Where there is doubt, faith." The prayer encourages us to hold onto faith even in the face of uncertainty.

• "Where there is despair, hope." Hope is offered as a beacon of light in the darkest of times.

• "Where there is darkness, light." This line calls on us to bring light into the world, dispelling darkness and ignorance.

• "Where there is sadness, joy." The prayer reminds us of the power of joy to overcome sadness.

• "O Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console," This line encourages us to focus on giving rather than receiving.

• "To be understood as to understand," Empathy and understanding are presented as essential virtues.

• "To be loved as to love." The prayer emphasizes the importance of love as the foundation of human connection.

• "For it is in giving that we receive," This line highlights the principle of selflessness and the idea that true fulfillment comes from giving to others.

• "In pardoning that we are pardoned," Forgiveness is presented as a way to liberate oneself as well as others.

• "And in dying that we are born to eternal life." This line suggests that true life is found in spiritual transformation and surrender to a higher power.

  
  

The enduring power of St. Francis' Prayer

May St. Francis' Prayer for Peace serve as an inspiration and may it be a reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others. By embracing the qualities outlined in this prayer, we can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

More on Spreading Love: Welcome | iBeamLove