My 700th Post: A Prayer

When I realized this would be my 700th post, I knew I wanted it to be a strong statement about how we should live. I also wanted it to be uplifting.

On reflection, I realized that exactly such a statement had already been penned, centuries ago, and that its wording transcends religious boundaries. People of any faith can say these words.

So, without further delay, I present to you the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, a prayer I recommend we all pray:

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.

(Note: I am grateful to Anne Rice for including this prayer in her lovely book, Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession, which served not only to remind me of the prayer but was also an excellent read.)