The St. Francis Prayer has been prayed by millions of people for over 800 years. It is simple. It is short. But it carries a depth that few prayers in history can match.
Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or someone simply searching for peace, this prayer speaks directly to the human heart.
The St. Francis Prayer, also called the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis, is a short devotional prayer rooted in selflessness, love, and surrender to God.
It asks God not to give us peace — but to make us instruments of it.
That single difference is what makes it extraordinary.
The Full St. Francis Prayer
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. Amen.
This is the most widely used version. Some traditional versions use “Thy” instead of “Your.” Both carry the same spirit.
Saint Francis of Assisi was born around 1181 in Assisi, Italy. He came from a wealthy merchant family but gave it all up to serve God and the poor.
He founded the Franciscan Order in the 13th century. Pope Gregory IX canonized him in 1228 — just two years after his death.
He is the Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment. He is also known as one of the greatest peacemakers in Church history.
What made him different was this: he did not just pray for peace. He lived it — even walking into Muslim territory during the Crusades to pursue dialogue over violence.
How to Pray the St. Francis Prayer Daily
Morning practice is the most powerful time to pray it. Before the noise of the day begins, read it slowly — one line at a time.
Let each line become an intention. “Where will I encounter hatred today? Where can I choose love instead?”
You do not need candles or a chapel. You need two minutes and a willing heart.
Evening reflection pairs beautifully with it. At the end of the day, return to the prayer and ask: where did I live this today? Where did I fall short? Where did grace show up?
This kind of daily contemplative practice is what transforms the prayer from words into a way of life.
St. Francis Prayer for Healing and Comfort
Many people come to this prayer in moments of deep pain — grief, illness, divorce, depression.
What makes it so comforting in these moments is that it does not deny darkness. It names it: hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, sadness. Every human wound is acknowledged.
And then, gently, it offers a response to each one.
Spiritual directors and grief counselors often recommend this prayer precisely because it holds suffering honestly while pointing toward hope. It does not say “feel better.” It says “become a bearer of light.”
That is far more honest — and far more healing.
St. Francis Prayer and the Catholic Tradition
Within the Catholic Church, this prayer holds a place of deep reverence. It is used in the Liturgy of the Hours, in Franciscan communities, in RCIA programs, and in personal devotions.
Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have both referenced Franciscan spirituality extensively. Pope Francis even chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi — a direct nod to the values of poverty, peace, and care for creation that this prayer embodies.
The prayer also aligns deeply with Catholic Social Teaching — especially the themes of human dignity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Full Prayer of Saint Francis?
The full prayer begins with “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace” and ends with “it is in dying that we are born to eternal life” — see the complete text above.
What Should Catholics Do Before Bed?
Catholics are encouraged to pray an evening examination of conscience, offer a short act of thanksgiving, and close with a peace prayer like the St. Francis Prayer.
Does Prayer Help With PTSD?
Yes — research published in journals of psychology and pastoral care confirms that contemplative prayer reduces cortisol levels, calms the nervous system, and brings measurable relief to trauma survivors.
How to Pray for a Person With Schizophrenia?
Pray gently and specifically — include their name, ask God for their peace and mental clarity, and offer the St. Francis Prayer on their behalf as an act of intercession and love.
Conclusion
The St. Francis Prayer is not a relic of the Middle Ages — it is a living word for every generation. Pray it daily, one line at a time, and it will quietly change how you see every person and every moment you encounter.
I am the admin and author of PrayersHand. I research, write, and explain prayers, faith, spirituality, and meanings in simple words to help readers find peace, hope, and guidance worldwide.
