A Channel, Not the Source
It reminds those in recovery that they are "channels" for a higher power, rather than trying to control everything themselves.
St. Francis Prayer
0:00 1:19
Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace;
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather
to comfort, than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting, that one finds.
It is by forgiving, that one is forgiven.
It is by dying, that one awakens to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Carry the Prayer with You
Take this prayer, the Big Book , and your daily recovery tools wherever you go.
Free, no-ads on the SoberHub App.
About this prayer
History of the St. Francis Prayer
Despite its name, the St. Francis prayer was not written by St. Francis of Assisi. It first appeared in a French spiritual magazine in 1912 titled "Belle priere a faire pendant la messe" (A beautiful prayer to say during Mass). During World War I and II, it gained global popularity as a prayer for peace and selfless service.
Why it is a Vital "Prayer of St. Francis for Recovery"
In the 12-step tradition, this prayer is specifically highlighted in Step 11 (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions). It serves as a practical guide for moving from "self-will run riot" to a life of spiritual service.
Key themes for recovery
Self-Forgetting
The line "it is by self-forgetting, that one finds" is a direct antidote to the "bondage of self" mentioned in Step 3.
Emotional Balance
The prayer lists common triggers in early recovery-hatred, discord, and despair-and provides their spiritual opposites-love, harmony, and hope.