About this prayer
This original devotional prayer asks Saint Francis of Assisi to intercede with God. It is written for this companion and is not presented as a historical prayer composed by the saint.
Prayer text
Saint Francis of Assisi, join your prayers to mine before our loving God. Pray that I may receive life as a gift and use its goods generously. Free me from the need to possess more than I need or to make myself greater than others. Help me care for creation, honour every person, and take the first step toward peace when resentment tempts me to withdraw. Intercede for the intentions I now hold in silence, especially for those who have no one to pray with them. May every grace we receive draw us closer to Jesus and make us more ready to serve our neighbour. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Extended community prayer
The original prayer above is unchanged. This separate community version includes additional intentions and responses. One person leads; everyone joins in the shared parts.
Let us gather in the presence of God, remembering those who pray with us and those who cannot be here. We bring our gratitude, our needs, and our willingness to care for one another.
God of love, unite our hearts in prayer and teach us to serve you together.
Saint Francis of Assisi, join your prayers to mine before our loving God. Pray that I may receive life as a gift and use its goods generously. Free me from the need to possess more than I need or to make myself greater than others. Help me care for creation, honour every person, and take the first step toward peace when resentment tempts me to withdraw. Intercede for the intentions I now hold in silence, especially for those who have no one to pray with them. May every grace we receive draw us closer to Jesus and make us more ready to serve our neighbour. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Community intentions
For those burdened by possessions or status, obtain freedom to live simply and share generously.
Lord, hear our prayer, and help us become instruments of your mercy.
For our common home and people harmed by neglect, inspire responsible care and reconciliation through practical acts of peace.
Lord, hear our prayer, and help us become instruments of your mercy.
Pause for silent prayer. Intentions may be offered aloud freely; no one is required to share.
For the intentions spoken and those held quietly in our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, receive our prayer and sustain us in your love.
Let us entrust ourselves and those for whom we have prayed to the Father.
Merciful Father, receive our prayer through Jesus Christ. Where we can offer help, make us willing; where we must wait, give us patience. Keep us attentive to one another beyond this gathering. May the grace of this prayer take root in our homes, our work, and our choices, so that your love becomes visible through our lives. Amen.