Truth About a Prayer: A Saint’s Name, but Not His Words

[snopes]

Mother Teresa recited the simple prayer of St. Francis every day. Margaret Thatcher cited it upon becoming prime minister of Britain, and Alcoholics Anonymous included it in its “12 steps” book.

But something else is notable about the prayer that begins: “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.”

St. Francis of Assisi, who was born in the 12th century, probably had nothing to do with it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/wo...e/23italy.html

[moonfall]

Ssh, don't tell the folks in Assissi. They're making quite the profit off that prayer and St. Francis in general.

Still, who wrote it? It's a beautiful and moving piece even if you're not Catholic.

[Admiraldinty]

I thought it was common knowledge that this wasn't actually by St. Francis. As I understand it, the prayer only appeared in France in the beginning of the last century. I think Cardinal Spellman brought it to the US in the 30s or 40s.

cite

[Silkenray]

Originally Posted by moonfall

Still, who wrote it? It's a beautiful and moving piece even if you're not Catholic.

I'm not even sure what I believe anymore, and it still moves me to tears...