Prayers from the Writings of St. Francis of Assisi

The Testament

The TestamentPrayer

We adore You, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches in the whole world; and we bless You because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Prayer beforethe Crucifix

O most high, Glorious God, Enlighten the darkness of my heart, Give me a right faith, A certain hope, and a perfect love, understanding and knowledge, Lord so that I may always and in all things do your holy and true command Amen.

Prayer before

PRAISES TO BE SAID AT ALL THE HOURS

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, He was, He is and He is to come.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

You are our Lord and our God, You are worthy of glory and honor and power.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

Bless the Lord, all you works of the LordAnd let us praise and glorify Him forever.

Praise our God, you servants of His, and all who, great or small, revere Him.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

Let heaven and earth praise Him who is glorious.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

And let every creature – everything that lives
in the air, and on the ground, and under the ground, and in the sea.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.  And let us praise and glorify Him forever.

Omnipotent, most holy, most high and supreme God:  all good, supreme good, total good, You who alone are good:  we give You all praise, all glory, all thanks, all honor, and blessing and every good.  So be it.  So be it.  AMEN.

Invitation to

Invitation toPraise God

Fear the Lord and give him honor! The Lord is worthy to receive praise and honor. All you who fear the Lord, praise him Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, Heaven and earth, praise him. All you rivers praise him All you children of God, bless the Lord This is the day the Lord has made. Let us exalt and rejoice in it! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, king of Israel! Let every spirit praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, for he is good. All you who read this, bless the Lord. All creatures, praise the Lord. All you birds of heaven, praise the Lord. All you children, praise the Lord. Young men and virgins, praise the Lord. The Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive praise, glory and honor. Blessed be the Holy Trinity and Undivided Unity. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

THE PRAYER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE LETTER TO ENTIRE ORDER

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, Grant us in our misery that we for your sake alone, Do what we know you want us to do, and always want what pleases you, so that cleansed, and enlightened inwardly, and fired with the ardor of the Holy Spirit, we may be able to follow the footsteps of your beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and to make our way to you, Most High, by your grace alone you who live and reign in perfect Trinity and simple unity, and are glorified, God all powerful, Forever and ever.

Amen.

Blessing of St. Francisfor Brother Leo

May the Lord bless you and keep you; May he show His face to you and be merciful to you. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. May the Lord bless, you.

Blessing of St. Francis

CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing.

To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather through which
You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night and he is beautiful
and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be You, my Lord,
through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.

Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will
find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord,
and give Him thanks
and serve Him with great humility.

SALUTATION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Hail, O Lady, Holy Queen,

Mary, Holy Mother of God: you are the Virgin made Church and the one chosen by the Most Holy Father in heaven

who He consecrated with His most holy beloved Son and with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, in whom there was and is all the fullness of grace and every good.

Hail, His Palace!

Hail, His Tabernacle!

Hail, His Home!

Hail, His Robe!

Hail, His Servant!

Hail, His Mother!

And, all you holy virtues which through the grace and light of the Holy Spirit are poured into the hearts of the faithful so that from their faithless state you may make them faithful to God.