Praying Francis' Prayer

Over the past month I have been praying St. Francis of Assisi' prayer.As I have been praying this prayer daily a couple of things  have happened that I want to share with you.

First, praying this prayer has seemed to create in me an increased openness to good, to be more attentive to how I contribute to the presence of love, light, faith, peace, hope, joy and forgiveness in situations around me and how I block or resist those  positive forces in life.  For example,  I have over the past week engaged in conversation with a rather loud “Christian” at the gym where I exercise.  In the past I have simply tried to “keep conversations short with him”. 

Second, I have slowed down in praying this prayer.  I don’t rush through it too quickly. 

Third,  sometimes  as I am walking around,  watching TV, or simply driving the words come to mind, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”  This is as much a time of prayer as any other time.  In this way  God reminds me of who he needs for me/ for us  to be.

I invite you to make Francis' prayer your own.  It's worth pondering and praying.