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.)