You can learn a
lot about someone in their prayers. The
following is a revised prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. It is an example of much more than a simple
list of requests to a deity. It is revealing the issues related to the human element, as well as the human relation element that authentically impacts our daily lives whether we realize it or not. Take a minute to read through
it…
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;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
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;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Can you hear it?
Francis is communicating from his known place in this world as it
relates to his belief in the life now and the hereafter. Think with me about humanity in general and
how much of our daily actions and decisions come from our personal belief and
current understanding of our place in this world. Man has struggled getting this right
throughout history. We are not
alone. We are not above. We are not below. Humanity is in this
together. No matter the race, creed, economical status, level of education, political
affiliation, condition of health or age in general. No matter if we are historically
part of the recorded past, present or unwritten future of mankind. Simply being human places a mandate on each
of us to function in view of the grand scheme of things. We are connected. This not a choice, it is nature. How does this affect how I live and function
daily? There is no expectation of
perfection in Francis’ prayer for himself or others, only a seeking after the
wisdom to function within the dysfunction. This is our place. This is our time. It goes
without saying, this is mankind’s daily prayer.
~2013 Vaughn Wood
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