Saint Francis of Assisi’s Song of Praise

We could simply say that Francis’ prayer life was, “My God and my all!” and stop at that. Everything that can be stated about prayer in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi is expressed in those four little words.   While the truth is contained in that brief and holy phrase, the way in which Francis reached that apex of prayer needs exploration.

In searching Francis’ journey in prayer, we discover our own way to believing and living “My God and my all!”   There are many significant markers in Francis’ prayer life but among them shines the Canticle.

The Canticle sings in simple words of praise all that Francis discovered of the glory and goodness of God.   All he learned through visions in his early conversion, from the words from the crucifix of San Damiano, his pummeling of God in prayer in the caves, his experiences of the brotherhood of lesser brothers, his own illness and approaching death–all is distilled to praise.

Each path Francis took on his journey to God led him to a single action:  praise of God. Through the entire domain of earth, from the glory of daybreak to nightfall’s softened light, Francis praises the Lord.   Through all weather, the elements of fire and water and the motherhood of the earth, Francis continues in praise.   Sickness and trial give birth to continuing praise.   The inevitable encounter with Sister Death spurs Francis to close his work with praise, blessing and thanksgiving.   Everything that happened in Francis’ life fueled the fire of his praise to the Lord.

Francis leaves us with a legacy of praise.   If we claim it as our heritage, we must use it as Francis did–in every circumstance of life without reservation.   “But,” we think, “I can’t praise God for my father’s Alzheimer’s disease.   How can I praise God for joblessness? For debilitating illness?   For the pain and grief that thunder through my life?”

Francis, like the Lord he followed, teaches us to praise God through the trials that enter every life.   Only then can we experience release from the bonds of anguish and despair. If we release our deepest emotions to God, we defuse their power to create havoc in our lives.

Learning to praise God through all the events with which life confronts us may seem like an impossible task.   In reality, all we have to do is begin to follow the path of praise. God will lead us on.

A Song of Brother Sun/Canticle of the Creatures
By St Francis of Assisi

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honour
and all blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day and through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;
and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

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,
who 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 our Sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us
and who produces various fruit
with coloured flowers and herbs.

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

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

Praised be You, my Lord, for our Sister,
Bodily Death,
from whom no one living can escape:
woe to those who die in mortal sin.

Blessèd 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.