" The peace you announce your lips, be careful to have it even more within your own hearts."
~ St. Francis of Assisi
September
ULAF Region
Lord Jesus Christ,
You desired to leave us your peace. Help us never to be separated from that gift. In a world driven by the pursuit of power, possessions, and pleasure, turn our hearts toward the beauty of your creation and the harmony you have placed throughout the universe.
Grant that, in the simplicity of our lives, we may be joyful witnesses and proclaimers of your peace. Teach us to live with wonder and gratitude, caring for all creation, for every person we encounter, and for one another as sisters.
May we bear witness to your loving presence by responding with compassion to the lives and needs of people throughout the world, especially those who suffer the devastation of war. Deepen our prayer and strengthen our commitment to work and hope for that peace.
Protect the children of our world. May they no longer be the innocent victims of injustice, violence, and the decisions of those who seek only their own interests while ignoring the dignity and suffering of others in our changing and globalized world.
Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for all who suffer and seek shelter beneath your loving protection, for you are the Mother of all of us.
Amen.
European Region
Lord, make us instruments of your peace!
Open our ears so that we may heed your Word and hear your call in the cries of the disenfranchised and the persecuted.
Open our eyes so that we may marvel at the beauty and diversity of your creation and protect it from exploitation and destruction.
Open our mouths so that we may spread the good news and give voice to justice and truth.
Open our hands, so that we may be ready to share and actively help wherever help is needed, with our actions and all our strength.
Open our minds and fill them with your wisdom, so that your wisdom may guide our thoughts and show us solutions in times of crisis and conflict.
Open our hearts, so that we may respect the dignity of every person and recognize our sister and brother in each one.
Open our hearts, so that we may receive, feel, and share your love.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace! Lord, grant us your peace!
St. Francis Province, North India
God of boundless peace, as the river flows gently around stones without losing its course, teach us to journey through life's conflicts with patience and wisdom. In a world often shaken by the thunder of anger and the winds of division, let your gentle whisper of peace be heard in every heart. Where bitterness has taken root, sow the seeds of understanding, where fear has built walls, open pathways of trust and friendship.
Like the dawn that slowly dispels the darkness of night, may your peace illumine minds clouded by prejudice and hatred. May it blossom in our homes, communities, nations and the entire world like a garden nourished by your grace, bearing the fruits of kindness, forgiveness, and mutual respect. Bless those who suffer from war and injustice, be their refuge, strength, and hope.
Lord, make us artisans of peace, shaping a world where every person is valued and every voice is heard. May our words become bridges, our actions become healing balm, and our presence becomes a quiet testimony to your love. Then, like stars scattered across the night sky, countless acts of peace may shine forth and guide humanity toward unity and lasting harmony. Amen.
Sr. Vineetha
Assisi Province, South India
O God of heaven and earth,
Creator of every nation and tongue,
You formed the mountains and the seas,
You breathed life into all creation.
Let Your peace fall like gentle rain
Upon every land and every people.
Remove the seeds of hatred and war,
And plant the seeds of love and harmony.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children of God.”
Lord, teach nations to seek peace,
Teach leaders to choose wisdom over weapons,
Teach hearts to trust rather than fear.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
May faith rise where there is despair,
May hope grow where there is sorrow,
May trust be rebuilt where walls once stood.
O Lord of all nations,
Unite the world with Your light.
Let peace flow like a river
Through every nation and every heart.
Amen
International Leadership Team
Prayer to Saint Francis for Peace
Saint Francis, our brother, you
who eight hundred years ago went
to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us before the Lord.
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix
of San Damiano, teach us to seek in
Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.
You who, unarmed, crossed the lines
of war and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges where
the world raises up boundaries.
In this time afflicted by conflict and division,
intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen
U.S. Province
A Prayer for the Path Ahead
Holy One,
You who are present in sparrows and street corners,
in silence and song,
in friars and freedom-dreamers,
Teach us how to walk gently.
Make us healers of a wounded world,
bridgers of divides too long ignored,
companions to those we've forgotten,
singers of joy that can't be silenced.
Strip away what is false,
strengthen what is true,
and shape us into people who live
not for praise,
but for peace.
Amen.
