This morning’s prayer is my favourite “Franciscan prayer”, which I found out after posting was actually written by Benedictine Sister Ruth Fox of Sacred Heart Monastery in Richadton ND. (Thanks Paul Neely for your post that let me know this and for the link to Sister Ruth’s full blessing)
We have a tendency to relegate. St Francis to the realm of garden ornaments and quaint animal blessings, but this prayer I believe, expresses the true heart of St Francis which is probably one of the reasons he became known as its author. It expresses a deep and passionate concern for the poor and the marginalized. As we celebrate St Francis day (October 4th) may we all ponder these words and allow them and their implications to lodge deep within our hearts.
For more St Francis prayers, blessings and reflections check out my post St Francis Day and Blessing of the Animals 2015.
13 comments
Beautiful prayer! I have not heard this before, but it’s just what I needed right now. Thank you for sharing. Blessings upon blessings to you.
Your welcome Joanie – you can see why this has become one of my favourite prayers too
[…] Click here for entire article. […]
I’m glad it’s being widely shared, but it’s not by St. Francis – it’s by a Benedictine nun and was published in 1989. See the bottom of my blog post at http://globalworship.tumblr.com/post/130428966765/may-god-bless-us-with-discomfort-anger-tears
Paul – I appreciate you letting me know this though it does depress me a little as I have been told in the past that it was written by St Francis – obviously it is always hard to find out the true origins of prayers like this. Anyhow – written by a Benedictine nun is pretty good too.
It is dishonest to “attribute” this prayer to St. Francis, whose real prayer was to “make me a channel of your peace.”
Deacon – I am sorry. I was sent the prayer as “attributed to (not written by) St Francis” and my initial investigations confirmed that. It was only a few days ago that I found out it was not written by St Francis. If you read the post you will see that I talk about that. However I plan to change the image too but have not had time to do so yet. There are several other prayers that are attributed to St Francis that he probably did not write. The prayer you mention is another of these – it was actually written by David Horan http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-p-horan-ofm/living-the-prayer-of-st-francis-with-all-of-creation_b_1937279.html
This is clearly a modern American misinterpretation of what Assisi beleived, not even close to what he would actually wtite. The ancients were far more Christ focused.
Interesting thought Matthew,can I ask what you base this on? Many of the prayers written by the ancients that I have read express very similar sentiments to this.
As a Third Order Franciscan, I agree that neither of the prayers cited above were written by St. Francis of Assisi. If you want to read/post his beautiful words I suggest you look at The Canticle of the Creatures… Aka The Canticle of Brother Sun. I assure you the message is wonderful and it was actually written by him… Peace and Good!!!
Thank you Francis, I love that prayer too. All of these prayers are great ones to reflect on..
I like both prayers
[…] God bless us with discomfort at easy answers […]