Prayer of St. Francis

The Peace Prayer, often called the Prayer of Saint Francis, is a favorite among many Catholics. It speaks of peace, love, and selflessness. Even though it is commonly linked to Saint Francis of Assisi, he probably did not write it. The words first appeared in the early 1900s, many years after Saint Francis lived. Still, the message of the prayer fits well with how Saint Francis lived his life.

This prayer asks God to help us bring peace where there is hurt and trouble. Each line calls us to respond to the problems of the world with kindness and care. When we see hatred, we are told to sow love. When we find sadness, we are asked to bring joy. It teaches us to think less about ourselves and more about helping others.

The second part of the prayer shifts our focus. It reminds us not to always look for comfort from others. Instead, we should be the ones who comfort, forgive, and love. These words are a strong call to live like Jesus, who gave his life for others. The prayer is simple, but it challenges us in deep ways.

Even though Saint Francis may not have written this prayer, it reflects his way of life. He followed Christ with a humble spirit. He loved peace and served the poor. This prayer keeps that spirit alive today. It invites all of us to be instruments of peace in a world that often feels broken.

Even though we call it the Prayer of Saint Francis, he did not write it. The prayer first appeared in a small French magazine in 1912. It had no name and no author listed. A few years later, it was printed on the back of a holy card with a picture of Saint Francis. People began to think he was the author, and the name stuck.

The message of the prayer matches Saint Francis’s way of living. He followed Jesus by choosing peace, poverty, and service to others. So even though he did not write it, many believe he would have loved its message. It sounds like something he might have said.

The format of the prayer is simple and easy to follow. The first part asks God to help us bring good things into the world—like love, forgiveness, and hope. The second part asks for the grace to focus less on ourselves and more on others.

The prayer ends with a reminder that giving leads to receiving, and that new life comes through dying. These are deep ideas from the Gospel. Even in its short and simple form, the prayer teaches us how to live like Christ.

The Peace Prayer matches many teachings from the Bible. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, forgive others, and bring light to the world. The words of this prayer follow that same path. Each line echoes what Jesus taught in the Gospels. It calls us to act with mercy, kindness, and hope.

This prayer also connects well with Catholic catechesis. It teaches the importance of serving others and putting love into action. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Prayer and Christian life are inseparable” (CCC 2745). This means we should live what we pray. The Peace Prayer helps young people do that in simple ways.

In youth ministry, this prayer is a strong tool. Teens often face hard choices, pressure, and confusion. This prayer gives them clear steps to follow. It helps them see how their faith can shape their actions each day. It encourages peace in their schools, homes, and friendships.

This prayer can also lead to great small group talks or service projects. You can take one line at a time and ask how to live it out. Or use it to plan an act of kindness. It gives youth a way to make their faith real and active.

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.

About St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher born in the late 12th century. He’s best known for his devotion to poverty, his love of animals, and his commitment to peace. He founded the Franciscan Order, a religious order within the Catholic Church that emphasizes simplicity and service.

Though born into a wealthy family, St. Francis renounced his wealth to live a life of poverty and service to both people and nature. He is one of the most venerated religious figures in history and is the patron saint of animals and the environment. His life and teachings have inspired millions to pursue lives of simplicity, kindness, and compassionate service.

More Catholic Prayers

If you liked the Peace Prayer, you might enjoy exploring more prayers. We have many simple and beautiful ones that you can use for daily life, youth ministry, or group prayer. These prayers can help you grow closer to God and live out your faith in small ways.

Visit our Catholic Prayers page to find the Peace Prayer and many others. There are prayers for different times of day, special needs, and Catholic seasons. It’s a great way to learn new prayers and share them with others.

Who wrote the Peace Prayer?

We don’t know for sure. The Peace Prayer first appeared in a French magazine in 1912. It had no author listed. Many people thought Saint Francis wrote it, but he probably didn’t.

Why is it called the Prayer of Saint Francis?

About ten years after it was first printed, someone put the Peace Prayer on a holy card with a picture of Saint Francis. People began to link the prayer with him. The name stuck, even though he didn’t write it.

Can the Peace Prayer be used in youth ministry?

Yes, it works very well. The Peace Prayer gives teens a simple way to think about how they treat others. It can be used in prayer, small groups, or service projects.

Why is the Peace Prayer still popular today?

The words are simple, but the message is strong. People want peace, love, and understanding in their lives. The Peace Prayer reminds us to live those values every day.

How can I teach the Peace Prayer to children or teens?

Start by reading it slowly. Talk about what each line means. Ask how they can live it out. You can also use it during prayer time, retreats, or as part of service work.

What is the main message of the Peace Prayer?

The Peace Prayer reminds us to love others, forgive, and bring peace. It teaches us to think less about ourselves and more about serving others.

The Peace Prayer, often called the Prayer of Saint Francis, is a simple prayer about living with love and kindness. It asks God to help us bring peace where there is trouble. Though many think Saint Francis wrote it, it first appeared in a French magazine in 1912 without an author’s name.

Each line of the prayer invites us to respond to pain with love. It calls us to bring light into darkness and hope into sadness. Instead of seeking comfort, we are asked to give it. This reflects the teachings of Jesus, who told us to love and serve others.

The prayer also fits well with Catholic teaching. It shows how prayer and action go together. When we pray this way, we are also learning how to live. It connects to youth ministry themes like service, forgiveness, and living as disciples.

Though Saint Francis likely didn’t write it, the Peace Prayer still carries his spirit. It helps us follow the example of Jesus, just as Saint Francis did. The prayer invites everyone—young and old—to become messengers of peace.

Have you ever prayed the Peace Prayer in a group or during a hard time? We’d love to hear your story. Sharing how this prayer has helped you could encourage someone else.

Please tell us in the comment section how the Peace Prayer has made a difference for you. Whether in youth ministry, at home, or during a quiet moment, your words can inspire others to pray with purpose.