This beloved prayer, though not actually written by St. Francis of Assisi, perfectly captures his spirit of humble service and peace. It first appeared in France around 1912 and became widely popular during World War I.
Prayer for Peace
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;
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.
Note: While universally attributed to St. Francis, scholars trace this prayer to a French spiritual magazine around 1912. It beautifully expresses the Franciscan charism of humility, peace, and selfless love.