St. Francis' Prayer of Discernment

St. Francis' Prayer of Discernment

Said Before the Crucifix

Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart,
and give me right faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
wisdom and understanding,
Lord, that I may carry out
your holy and true command.
Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi with another Franciscan friar, painting by the Master of Hoogstraten.

Through the merits of St. Francis and through his prayers and powerful intercession, may God's Holy Will be done.

St. Francis, will you please intercede and pray for all Franciscans who desire to imitate you in service to God and neighbor, and yet find themselves in difficult and painful circumstances?

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

TO KNOW ONE'S VOCATION

Lord, my God and my loving Father
You have made me to know you, to love you, to serve you,
And thereby to find and fulfill myself.

I know that you are in all things,
And that every path can lead me to you.
But of them all, there is one especially
By which you want me to come to you.

Since I will do what you want of me,
I pray you, send your Holy Spirit to me: into my mind,
To show me what you want of me; into my heart,
To give me the determination to do it,
And to do it with all my love, with all my mind,
And with all my strength right to the end.

Amen