Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is injury, forgiveness.
Where there is discord, unity.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is error, truth.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is sadness, joy.
Where there is darkness, light.
O Lord, 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 forgiving that we are forgiven,
and in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Living this prayer
The prayer attributed to Saint Francis summarizes a spirituality of service. It does not ask to avoid every conflict but to become an instrument of peace. Choose one petition and turn it into action: listen before answering, repair an offense, accompany someone lonely, or step away from a pointless argument. Peacemaking does not mean tolerating abuse; establish boundaries and seek help when a situation is unsafe.