St. Francis Prayer

A beautiful prayer for peace, love, forgiveness, and understanding, traditionally associated with St. Francis of Assisi.

The St. Francis Prayer, also known as The Peace Prayer, reminds us that peace begins with the way we treat others. Its simple words encourage us to replace hatred with love, offer forgiveness when we have been hurt, and bring hope to those who are discouraged. It is a prayer that has touched hearts around the world.

We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. A kind word, a forgiving heart, or a willingness to listen can bring peace where there was once disagreement. As you read this prayer, think about how its message can guide your thoughts, words, and actions each day.

Lord make me an instrument of your peace

Updated October 10, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

The Peace Prayer

Traditionally attributed to 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 error, truth;
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.

Although this prayer is widely known as the St. Francis Prayer, historians have not found evidence that St. Francis wrote it. The earliest known publication appeared in 1912. Nevertheless, its message reflects the kindness, humility, and love for others that St. Francis encouraged throughout his life.

Key Reflections In This Prayer

Peace begins with us.
We cannot control how others behave, but we can choose how we respond. When we speak with kindness and act with patience, we help create a more peaceful world.
Love is stronger than hatred.
The prayer reminds us to answer hatred with love rather than anger. Even a small act of kindness can soften a difficult situation.
Forgiveness brings healing.
Holding on to resentment can rob us of peace. When we choose to forgive, we open our hearts to healing and understanding.
Giving brings its own rewards.
True happiness is not always found in what we receive. Sometimes our greatest blessings come when we give our time, encouragement, and love to others.
Understanding others matters.
It is easy to want others to understand our feelings, but we must also be willing to listen. When we try to understand another person's struggles, we show compassion and respect.

The Life of St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi is remembered for his simple way of living, his love for God, and his kindness toward people and animals. He gave up a life of wealth to serve others and share his faith.

The following short biography was written for children by May Louise Harvey in her book The American Normal Readers: Fourth Book, published in 1907. Although written many years ago, it offers a gentle picture of the man whose life continues to inspire people today. Some of its stories reflect traditional accounts of St. Francis.

A Brief Biography of St. Francis

By May Louise Harvey

Did you ever hear of the good St. Francis of Assisi? All little children should know of the great good which he did in the world. He gave up his riches and his pleasures that he might go and preach to the people, telling them of Christ their Lord and Master. Many were led by him to believe in Jesus Christ and to serve God with their whole hearts.

St. Francis loved all things which God had made. He used to talk to the little birds, calling them his sisters, and he even preached to them at one time. He told them how thankful they ought to be for their freedom, and for the sweet fresh air in which to fly. He said they ought to praise God always for food and raiment and for all their blessings.

It is said that the birds stopped singing to listen to him, and when he had finished, broke forth into glorious song. Does it not seem as if they understood and were always praising God for His goodness? St. Francis was always very kind to all creatures.

They seemed to know that he was their friend, and they would always do as he wished. Even the wolves would cease their ravages at his bidding. He provided food for the bees and for the birds in the cold winter, saying that they should have a joyous Christmas.

It was St. Francis who first made a Crib of Bethlehem on the feast of Christmas. In this way he helped many to remember that Christ came to earth as a little child for our salvation.

In the convent which St. Francis founded, his disciples first ordered the Angelus bell to be rung at close of day. They wished to recall the greeting of the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

From that day to this the sweet bells of the Angelus have pealed forth at the sunset hour. There is no land where those bells are not heard, no country where devout people hearing them do not pause to repeat the angel's greeting.

We have great reason for being grateful to good St. Francis. He was very poor and humble, but now all the world delights to do him honor.

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Conclusion

The St. Francis Prayer reminds us that peace is not simply something we wish for. It is something we can help create through our daily actions. When we offer kindness instead of anger, understanding instead of judgment, and forgiveness instead of resentment, we make life a little better for those around us.

St. Francis lived a life that reflected his love for God and all His creation. His example encourages us to look beyond our own needs and consider how we can help others. We may never know how much a gentle word, a helping hand, or a simple act of love means to someone who is struggling.

May this prayer encourage you to be an instrument of peace in your home, your community, and wherever life takes you. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.

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