We are all part of a history and a story. We are part of the story of our families, of our religion, of the time in which we live. As Franciscans we are also part of the Franciscan story. There are traditions, stories, devotions, prayers and sayings involved with all of these groups. Knowing about them helps us to be part of th
e family. The prayer before the Crucifix of San Damiano is one of the prayers that is very important to us as Franciscans.
The Prayer before the Crucifix (1205-1206)
“While Thomas of Celano and Saint Bonaventure characterize the early years of Francis's life as a struggle to discern God's will, the author of The Legend of the Three Companions, according to two manuscripts, summarizes Francis's yearnings in this simple prayer and places it on his lips as he kneels before the Crucifix of the crumbling church of San Damiano in Assisi. The prayer may have been influenced by the liturgical opening prayer of the Eucharistic liturgy. This version of the prayer is based on the simple text found in the majority of Latin manuscripts. As it became more popular, the prayer was embellished and lost some of its simplicity.”
FA:ED, vol. 1, 40 https://franciscantradition.
Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
Lord,
that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.
As St. Francis knelt before the crucifix of San Damiano, he put himself in God’s hands. It was the beginning for him. Franciscans can pray this prayer every day, but it is especially meaningful for those who are at the “beginning,” those who are discerning a vocation to the Order.
Pray this prayer alone or in a group. Take time to think about the words. Each line has questions for discussion and for commenting on in your journal.
MOST HIGH, GLORIOUS GOD, (Praise)
+How did St. Francis see God? How did he praise him?
++How do you see God? Where do you find him? How do you praise God?
ENLIGHTEN THE DARKNESS OF MY HEART (Repentance)
+What was the “darkness” of his heart? What was he asking to have revealed?
++What is the darkness in your heart? What do you seek? What do you need God to show you?
AND GIVE ME TRUE FAITH, CERTAIN HOPE, AND PERFECT CHARITY, SENSE AND KNOWLEDGE, LORD, (Petition)
+What was Francis asking for? Why are these qualities significant in the spiritual life?
++What will you need to strengthen you spiritually as you discern? Give examples of the roles these virtues play in your life.
THAT I MAY CARRY OUT YOUR HOLY AND TRUE COMMAND. (Resolution)
+Francis stops and listens. Then he resolves to carry out God’s will in his life. What did he do?
++When you pray, do you take time to listen? Do you resolve to imitate Christ? How do you put God’s will into practice?
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