The Prayers of That Great Cloud of Witnesses

Francis of Assisi: A Compendium Entry

I have heard it said that infants, at a certain stage of development, are known to believe that they can hide from other people by closing their eyes. As we develop and grow, we come to understand that there is an entire world that exists beyond our perception. Maturing in our faith continues this development. The deeper we go with Jesus, the more God becomes the center of our perception. Songs and prayers can help in this process, including this post’s canticle, written by Francis of Assisi between 1224 and 1225.

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone was born circa 1181, the son of Pietro di Bernardone dei Moriconi, a wealthy silk merchant, and Pica di Brourlemont, a French noblewoman originally from Provence. As a youth, Giovanni was handsome, witty, gallant, well-dressed, and wealthy. But then one day, as Francis told the story, he was selling cloth and velvet in the marketplace for his father when a beggar came to him and asked for a handout. Giovanni abandoned his wares, ran after the beggar, and gave the man everything he had in his purse. His friends mocked him for his charity while his father scolded him in rage. But this was the first step in the direction, Giovanni, better known as Francis of Assisi, would become famous for.

The oldest depiction of Saint Francis, painted between 1228 and 1229, is near the entrance of the Benedictine abbey of Subiaco.

Francis’ prayer guides us wonderfully into the Adoration of God, drawing us outside of ourselves with the beautiful perception that Francis has become known for. He leads us in praising God through “Sir Brother Sun,” “Sister Moon and the stars,” “Brother Wind,” “Sister Water,” “Brother Fire,” and “Sister Mother Earth.” His lyrical words enable us to lose ourselves in the wonder of God’s creation.

The prayer also challenges us to consider our own view of the Christian life, of blessedness and judgment, as well as our inevitable death, which Francis calls “Sister Bodily Death.”

Try it out one morning, with a view of creation, and see what happens!

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, 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 splendor; 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 whom 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 colored flowers and herbs.

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

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

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

Blessed 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.