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As one of the most revered saints of all time St. Francis of
Assisi is accepted by both protestants and Catholics alike. His
writings and documents of his teachings have been preserved. Much,
much has been written about him. Yet, his intense spirituality
remains an enigma. He left no explanations of his spiritual life
or exercises or methods to follow his way of prayer. He is known
by is biographies and other reports depicting his life, from his
fervent times of prayer to his caring for all aspects of nature,
all of is actions rendered him a model of holistic spiritualism
even today.
St Francis often retreated to remote places to pray and he called
himself "a spouse of the Holy Spirit'. Prayers of St. Francis
were his chief comfort. His source of strength was his faith.
St. Francis' prayers were not detached, antiseptic requests. Most
were passionate cries from the soul. Song, music, and poetry were
such an intricate part of Saint Francis that in times of sorrow
and sick and in joy and good health he gave spontaneous voice
in song to his feelings, his inspirations, and his prayers. Many
of St. Francis' songs, prayers and poems are accepted everyday
repetitions of the faithful.
St. Francis Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord show his face
to you and have compassion on you! May he turn his face to you
and give you peace! Amen.
St. Francis Prayer of Peace
Peace 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;
And 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.
St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Before A Crucifix
St Francis was praying before the San Damiano Cross when he received
commission from the Lord to rebuild the church. That cross now
hangs in the Santa Chiarra (St.Clare) Church in Assisi, Italy.
All Franciscans cherish his cross as the symbol of their mission
from God. The San Damian Cross was one of a number painted with
similar figures during the 12th century in Umbria, Italy. It's
painter is unknown. The cross was restored in 1938. This is the
prayer it inspired"
"We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all your churches
in the whole world, and we bless you, because by your holy cross
you have redeemed the world."
This prayer is often used in Catholic Churches as part of daily
and/or special services.
The Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi
The Canticle of Brother Sun
The Canticle of Brother Sun is spiritual literature from a transition
period in which when Latin was slowly becoming Italian. In the
twentieth century more than five hundred articles have examined
the Canticle and at least ten books have been written about it.
The magnificent hymn expresses the mystical vision of the Saint
of Assisi and provides many insights into the life of faith St.
Francis led. While the majority of humans tend to become lost
in the vastness of the created world, St. Francis was so intimate
with the wonders of creation that he embraced them as "Brother"
and "Sister," as members of one family.
The final verses, constituting the third section, were written
at the death of Saint Francis.
Most High, all powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praise be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon
and the stars, in heaven you formed them
clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather through which
You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night and he is beautiful
and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will
find in Your most holy willl,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks
and serve Him with great humility. AMEN
Blessing of St. Francis of Assisi
Whoever shall observe these things may he be filled in heaven
with the blessing of the most high Father, and may he be filled
on earth with the blessing of his beloved son, together with the
Holy Spirit, the Consoler, and all the powers of heaven and all
the saints. And I, brother Francis, your worthless servant,
as far as I am able, approve this most holy blessing both internally
and externally
Prayer of Self Giving by Saint Francis of Assisi
I beg you, Lord, let the fiery, gentle power of your love
take possession of my soul, and snatch it away from everything
under heaven, that I may die for love of your love as you saw
fit to die for love of mine
• Prayers
& Blessing of Animals
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