St. Francis Prayer

St. Francis Prayer

The St. Francis Prayer is one of the most widely shared spiritual prayers for peace, humility, service, and personal transformation. Many people in recovery return to it as a reminder to practice acceptance, compassion, and willingness in daily life.

St. Francis Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your 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;
and 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.

Printable St. Francis Prayer

You can print a clean version of the St. Francis Prayer for personal use, meetings, or to share with others.

Why the St. Francis Prayer Matters in Recovery

Although the St. Francis Prayer is not exclusive to any one recovery fellowship, many people in recovery connect deeply with its message. It speaks to letting go of self-centeredness, practicing humility, and becoming useful to others - all themes that resonate strongly in recovery.

Its focus on love, forgiveness, faith, hope, and service makes it a meaningful prayer for meditation, step work, sponsorship conversations, meetings, and everyday spiritual reflection.

The message of the St. Francis Prayer aligns closely with recovery principles and is often reflected in the AA Promises and the Serenity Prayer.

Shop St. Francis Prayer Cards, Bookmarks, and Gifts

Carry the message of the St. Francis Prayer with you throughout the day. RecoveryShop offers a variety of prayer cards, bookmarks, and engraved items designed for daily use, meetings, and meaningful gifts.

Keep the Prayer Close

Many people choose to keep the St. Francis Prayer in a wallet, on a desk, in a book, or with meeting materials as a daily reminder to pause, pray, and return to a spirit of peace and service.