Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182-1126) founded what is now the Franciscan Order in the 13th century. He is known for his intense love of the Holy Eucharist, his gentleness, and his humility. God gave him the gift of bearing the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) on his body. He was canonized (declared to be a saint) in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX, and his feast day is celebrated on October 4.
As a Franciscan community, we strive to observe the Gospels in imitation of St. Francis through a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and adoration of Jesus, our Eucharistic King. We Knights of the Holy Eucharist look to St. Francis for guidance as we strive to fully live our consecrated lives.
The Franciscan motto is “Pax et Bonum” (“peace and good”). St. Francis loved to say “May the Lord give you peace.”
Here we offer you six prayers by St. Francis of Assisi:
- Canticle of the Sun: This prayer praises God for creation.
- Prayer on Entering a Church: St. Francis and his brothers would pray this prayer to adore the Blessed Sacrament whenever they entered a church.
- Salutations of the Blessed Virgin: St. Francis had a great love for Our Lady.
- Prayer in Praise of God: This prayer was given to Br. Leo, one of the early friars.
- Prayer before the Crucifix: St. Francis prayed this prayer before the crucifix in the little chapel of San Damiano, which he repaired.
- Meditation Prayer: One night St. Francis prayed this little prayer throughout the night as one of his future friars, Bernard of Quintavalle, watched, unknown to St. Francis. After this experience, Bernard joined Francis as a friar.
We hope these St. Francis prayers will be a blessing as you spend time with Our Lord!
St. Francis of Assisi Prayers
Canticle of the Sun
Most high, all powerful, good Lord, to You be praise, glory and honor and
all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and there is no man worthy to name You.
Praise be to You, my Lord, with all Your creatures.
Chief of all is Sir Brother Sun,
who is our day; through whom You give light.
Beautiful is he, radiant, with great splendor.
He is a true revealer of You, Most High.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for Sister Moon and for the stars.
In heaven You have formed them, bright, precious and fair.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for Brother Wind, and for the air,
and for the cloud, for clear sky and for all weathers,
by which You give nourishment to all Your creatures.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for Sister Water. She is most useful and humble,
precious and pure.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for Brother Fire, by whom You light up the
night. Fair is he and merry, mighty and strong.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and
keeps us. She brings forth divers fruits, the many-hued flowers and grass.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for those who grant pardon for love of You, and
bear weakness and buffetings. Blessed are they who live in peace, for by
You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
Praise be to You, my Lord, for our Sister, Bodily Death, From whom no
living man can flee. Woe to them who die in mortal sin! But blessed they
who shall find themselves in Your most holy will; to them the second death
shall do no ill.
O Creatures all! praise and bless my Lord, and gratefully serve Him with
deep humility.
Prayer on Entering a Church
We adore You, most holy Lord Jesus Christ,
here, and in all Your churches throughout the world,
and we bless You,
because by Your holy Cross,
You have redeemed the world.
Salutations of the Blessed Virgin
Hail, holy Lady, most holy Queen,
Mary, Mother of God, ever Virgin,
chosen by the most holy Father in heaven,
consecrated by Him, with His most holy beloved Son
and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter;
on you descended and in you still remains
all the fullness of grace and every good.
Hail, his Palace.
Hail, his Tabernacle.
Hail, his Robe.
Hail, his Handmaid.
Hail, his Mother.
Prayer in Praise of God
You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father, are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, living and true.
You are love.
You are wisdom.
You are humility.
You are endurance.
You are rest.
You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage.
You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord, God Almighty, merciful Savior.
Amen.
Prayer before the Crucifix
Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me
true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out
Your holy and true command. Amen.
Meditation Prayer
My God and my All!
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