Prayers of Francis and Clare

Friday, March 17, 2006. (link)

I came across a some prayers attributed to St. Francis and St. Clare today that I don't recall having seen before (though I have a terrible memory). I love the simplicity of the prayers of St. Francis, and the prayer of St. Clare seems apt for Lent:

Prayers of St. Francis

Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our hearts. Grant us a correct faith, certain hope, and a perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that we may carry out your holy and true commands.

We adore you, most holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all your churches that are in the whole world, and we bless you; because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

The Lord bless you and keep you. May he show his face to you and have mercy. May he turn his countenance to you and give you peace.

Prayer of St. Clare

Glory and praise be to you, most loving Jesus Christ, for the most sacred wound in your own side. By that adorable and holy wound you made known to the soldier Longinus — in the opening he made in your side — your infinite mercy.

O most gentle Jesus I ask you, that, having redeemed us by baptism from the stain of original sin, do now by your precious blood, which is offered and which is received throughout the world, deliver us from all evils, past, present and to come.

By your most bitter death give us a lively faith, firm hope and a perfect charity, that with our whole hearts we may love you with all our soul and strength. Make us persevere in your service, firm and steadfast in good works, so that we may be always able to please you, our Lord Jesus Christ.

(The prayers of St. Francis above seem to be traditionally accepted, but I'm less sure of the source of the prayer attributed to St. Clare...)

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