Prayer for Peace

During WWI and WWII the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi was highly publicized. Archbishop and military vicar Francis Spellman distributed millions of copies of the "Prayer of St. Francis" during World War II. This anonymous text is a widely known Christian prayer for peace. It has been quoted by prominent leaders, was read into the Congressional Record and its broadly inclusive language has found appeal with diverse faiths.

It seems to me that as the election nears, happens, and concludes, restoration of calm and peace needs to begin. There is a need for a time of calm after chaos, harmony after hostility and tranquility after turmoil.

Isn't it appropriate that the Prayer of Saint Francis, become part of our daily devotions? Isn't it time this widely known Christian prayer for peace used so much during both World War I and World War II be utilized again? Isn't it time to pray beyond boundaries and for unity?

So let us pray together: 

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
And 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
And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Amen