Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis embraced Lady Poverty as his bride, renouncing his father's wealth to follow Christ in radical poverty. He owned nothing, yet possessed everything in Christ. His poverty was not mere material lack, but a spiritual freedom that allowed him to love God completely.

Prayer

St. Francis, lover of poverty, free my heart from attachment to material things. Help me to use worldly goods without being enslaved by them. Teach me that true wealth consists in loving God and serving others. May I seek first the Kingdom of God, trusting that all else will be provided. Give me a poor spirit that finds its riches in Christ alone. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis was a peacemaker who sought reconciliation wherever he went. He even traveled to meet the Sultan during the Crusades, seeking peace through dialogue. His greeting was always 'Peace and good!' He teaches us that peace begins in our own hearts and spreads outward.

Prayer

St. Francis, instrument of peace, help me to be a peacemaker in my world. Where there is conflict, let me bring reconciliation. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Give me the courage to speak words of peace and to work for justice. May I begin by making peace in my own heart, letting go of anger and resentment. Through your intercession, may peace spread throughout the world. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis saw all creation as his brothers and sisters. He preached to the birds, tamed the wolf of Gubbio, and praised God through Brother Sun and Sister Moon. His Canticle of the Creatures is a beautiful hymn of praise to God through all created things.

Prayer

St. Francis, friend of all creatures, teach me to see God in all creation. Help me to respect and care for the environment, recognizing that all things come from God's hand. May I treat animals with kindness and the earth with reverence. Give me a heart that praises God through the beauty of creation and works to protect it for future generations. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis called suffering 'perfect joy' when endured for Christ. He bore the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, in his own body. Despite illness and pain, he remained joyful, singing God's praises. He teaches us that true joy is found in union with Christ crucified.

Prayer

St. Francis, bearer of the stigmata, help me to embrace suffering with joy when it comes. Teach me to unite my pains with Christ's passion. May I not seek suffering, but when it finds me, may I accept it as a means of growing closer to Jesus. Give me the grace to remain joyful even in trials, knowing that suffering produces perseverance and hope. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis was profoundly humble, calling himself 'the little poor man.' He refused positions of honor and served the lepers and outcasts. His lifestyle was radically simple, owning only a tunic and cord. He found freedom in simplicity and greatness in littleness.

Prayer

St. Francis, humble servant, teach me humility and simplicity. Help me to be little in my own eyes and great only in God's sight. Free me from the need for recognition and status. May I live simply, consume less, and find joy in the basics of life. Make me humble enough to serve others without seeking praise. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis had a special love for the poor. He begged for his daily bread and shared what little he had with those in greater need. He kissed the lepers whom others avoided. His compassion for the suffering moved him to action, serving Christ in the poorest of the poor.

Prayer

St. Francis, friend of the poor, open my eyes to see Christ in the poor and suffering. Move my heart with compassion for those in need. Help me not just to feel sorry for the poor, but to serve them with love. May I share generously from what I have, knowing that whatever I do for the least of these, I do for Christ. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis had profound devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He saw the Eucharist as the continuation of Christ's incarnation and humility. He wanted churches to be beautiful for Jesus' sake and urged priests to celebrate Mass with great reverence.

Prayer

St. Francis, lover of the Eucharist, increase my love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Help me to receive Holy Communion with devotion and to visit Jesus often in the tabernacle. May I recognize in the Eucharist the same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem and died on Calvary. Give me a hunger for this Bread of Life. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis rebuilt not just the church of San Damiano but the entire Church through his Gospel witness. He sent his friars throughout the world to preach the Good News. His method was simple: preach always, and when necessary use words. His life was his greatest sermon.

Prayer

St. Francis, zealous apostle, inflame my heart with love for Christ and His Gospel. Help me to preach the Good News, first by my example and then by my words. May my life be a living Gospel that draws others to Christ. Give me courage to share my faith and wisdom to know when to speak and when to let my actions speak for me. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.

Prayer to St. Francis

O Glorious St. Francis, who renounced all worldly possessions to follow Christ in poverty and humility, you became a living image of Jesus crucified. By your love of poverty, your tenderness toward all creatures, and your complete abandonment to divine providence, you won countless souls to Christ.

Obtain for me the grace to live simply, to love generously, and to seek God above all things. Help me to be an instrument of His peace in a world torn by conflict and greed.

Reflection

St. Francis abandoned himself completely to God's will. From the moment he heard Christ say 'Rebuild my church,' he surrendered everything to follow God's call. His total trust in Providence and his willingness to go wherever God led made him a perfect instrument of divine grace.

Prayer

St. Francis, model of abandonment to God, teach me to surrender completely to divine Providence. Help me to trust that God will provide for all my needs. May I let go of my plans and embrace God's will, even when I don't understand it. Give me the grace to say 'yes' to whatever God asks of me. May I abandon myself entirely to His loving care, as you did. St. Francis, thank you for your intercession during these nine days. Continue to guide me in following Christ. Amen.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

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.