Did St. Francis of Assisi write this prayer?

The prayer first appeared in French in the early 20th century. It reflects Franciscan spirituality but was likely written later and attributed to Francis through popular devotion.

Is the Peace Prayer Catholic?

Yes. Its content is fully orthodox and widely used in Catholic churches, schools, and prayer groups in the U.S. and worldwide.

When should I pray it?

Any time — especially when facing conflict, before service work, at the start of the day, or when asking for a missionary heart.

Is this the same as the Canticle of the Sun?

No. The Canticle of Brother Sun is an authentic work of St. Francis in Italian. The Peace Prayer is a separate modern text.

Can non-Catholics pray the Peace Prayer?

Yes. It is used ecumenically because it focuses on Christlike virtues. Catholics pray it in the name of the Trinity and as disciples of Jesus.

Is the Prayer of St. Francis in the Mass?

It is not one of the official Mass prayers, but priests and parishes sometimes use it as a post-Communion meditation or closing prayer.

Prayer of St. Francis (Make Me a Channel): Full Text & Meaning

The Prayer of St. Francis ("Lord, make me an instrument of your peace") asks to sow love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy amid conflict. Widely attributed to Francis though likely modern; Catholics pray it for reconciliation, leadership, and peacemaking.

Prayer of St. Francis (Full Text)

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, in pardoning that we are pardoned, and in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Line-by-Line Meaning for Catholics

Instrument of your peace — You ask God to use you, not to glorify yourself. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Sow love… pardon… faith… hope… light… joy — Each pair names a wound in the world and the Gospel remedy you bring through action, not slogans.
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console — The heart turns outward; this mirrors Christ who came to serve (Mark 10:45).
In giving that we receive — Not prosperity theology, but the paradox of the Cross: self-gift opens the soul to grace.
In dying… born to eternal life — Baptismal language: dying to sin and living for God (Romans 6:4).

Did St. Francis Write This Prayer?

Historians trace the Peace Prayer to a French Catholic newspaper in 1912; it circulated in Europe and reached the United States by the mid-20th century. St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) did write the authentic Canticle of the Sun in Italian — a hymn praising God through creation. The Peace Prayer reflects Franciscan themes — poverty of spirit, reconciliation, love of neighbor — which is why popular devotion attached his name. The Church does not treat authorship as a reason to avoid the prayer; its theology is sound.

When Catholics Pray It in the United States

Opening of parish council meetings, school assemblies, and peace vigils.
After natural disasters, wars, or national tragedies — often at interfaith services.
Before difficult conversations in marriage, family, or workplace.
At Franciscan friary devotions and St. Francis parish feast days (October 4).
During Eucharistic adoration when praying for unity in a divided community.

How to Make the Prayer Practical

Praying the text once is easy; living it is the work of a lifetime. Catholics often choose one line per week as a focus: if you choose "where there is injury, pardon," you might reconcile with a estranged relative, forgive a coworker in confession, or refuse to replay old grievances online.

The prayer pairs beautifully with the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy — feeding the hungry is sowing love; bearing wrongs patiently is choosing pardon over retaliation. Franciscan Third Order members and many lay Catholics use it as a morning offering before work.

Peace Prayer vs. Canticle of the Sun

The Canticle of Brother Sun begins "Most High, all-powerful, good Lord…" and praises God through brother Sun, sister Moon, and sister Death. It is one of the first great poems in the Italian language and was composed near the end of Francis's life. The Peace Prayer is shorter, structured as petition, and oriented toward interpersonal conflict. Both belong in Catholic devotion but serve different moments — praise of creation versus mission in a broken world.