Something worth sharing

I first heard this prayer of St. Francis as part of a sermon several years ago, and it was so applicable to life just then that I cut the words out of the bulletin and posted it on my computer until I graduated from college. Now it resides on the wall behind my desk at school, where it reminds me again what it means to be a Christian. I put it here now so that I will not lose it, and so that you too may have the chance to benefit from it as well.


“Our Father, each day is a little life, each night a tiny death; help us to live with faith and hope and love. Lift our duty above drudgery; let not our strength fail, or the vision fade in the heat and burden of the day. O God, make us patient and pitiful one with another in the fret and jar of life, remembering that each fights a hard fight and walks a lonely way. Forgive us Lord, if we hurt our fellow souls; teach us a gentler tone, a sweeter charity of words, and a more healing touch. Sustain us, O God, when we must face sorrow; give us courage for the day and hope for the morrow. Day unto day may we lay hold of Thy hand and look up into Thy face, whatever befall, until our work is finished and the day is done. Amen.” -St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226