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Photo by Wenhao Ruan on Unsplash

 

… Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

 

St. Francis of Assisi is my favorite saint of the church. He was a 13th century Italian friar who created the Franciscan order with a simple rule: “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” Everything he did in his life followed this simple rule. He was devoted to peace, charity, and God’s creation. He is usually depicted in a garden with birds on and around him to whom he is said to have preached. His gentle spirit attracted animals and people alike as he valued all people and creation as loved by God.

Many are feeling unsettled, uncertain, and unsure these days. What would happen if we followed the rule of St. Francis? What would that look like if we intentionally checked our thoughts, actions, words, and interactions against this rule of St. Francis living a life of service and giving? Perhaps we would feel less helpless and more equipped to respond in love to our hurting world. As we navigate these difficult days, following in the way of Jesus is more important than ever.

May this be our prayer as Christians today who seek peaceful community in the way of Jesus:

PRAYER OF PEACE - St. Francis of Assisi

  • Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
  • Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
  • Where there is injury, pardon;
  • Where there is doubt, faith;
  • Where there is despair, hope;
  • Where there is darkness, light;
  • Where there is sadness, joy.
  • O Divine Master,
  • 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;
  • It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
  • and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
  • Amen.

Follow the Way,

Pastor Andrea