Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace

One of the most widely known prayers in the world.

The Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most widely known prayers in the world, reflecting the Franciscan spirit of selfless love, humility, and service. Though not written by Francis himself in its current form, it perfectly expresses his spirit.

The Prayer

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.

About This Prayer

The prayer first appeared in a French spiritual magazine in 1912. It was later popularised worldwide and attributed to St. Francis, whose spirit it authentically reflects. St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) founded the Franciscan Order, received the stigmata, and is patron of ecology, animals, and Italy. He was canonised in 1228.