St Francis of Assisi

Yesterday was the celebration of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. Following in his footsteps was another saint by name Francis of Assisi. He lived in 12th century AD in a small town called Assisi in Italy. He lived a life of a monk and desired the well being of all creatures of God.

From Krishna consciousness philosophy, we understand that it is the mood and devotion of the person that attracts God and not how you look, what you wear, how you speak or what religion you profess. So from God's perspective, the externals are not important but the inner mood of service is what counts. In Krishna consciousness, we try to cultivate this inner mood of humility, prayer and service to the Lord Almighty. Henceforth anyone who nurtures and portrays deep humility and service, we consider them our spiritual preceptor. St Francis is one such divine personality who portrayed humility and service towards the creation of God, thus glorifying God.

On the day of remembrance of Christ, we reflect on the prayer of one of his faithful followers- St Francis.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi 



Lord, make me an instrument 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.

—Saint Francis of Assisi