The Heart of Unity: St. Francis's Prayer Reimagined in Advaitic Wisdom

In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, the Prayer of St. Francis stands as a timeless call to embody peace, love, and compassion. By reinterpreting this beautiful prayer through the lens of Advaita, we delve into the profound realization that our essence is interconnected with all beings. This exploration invites us to transcend duality and embrace our shared consciousness, allowing us to become instruments of healing and unity in every aspect of life. Join me as we journey through each line of this sacred prayer, uncovering its deeper meaning and celebrating the divine presence that resides within us all—So’ham asmi!

Here is the Prayer of St. Francis Expressed in Advaitic Language

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
O Divine Presence, let me embody and express the peace that arises from our oneness.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
In the face of division, may I radiate love, recognizing that all beings are interconnected.
Where there is injury, pardon
In understanding our unity, may I embrace forgiveness and healing for all perceived wounds.
Where there is doubt, faith
In moments of uncertainty, may I awaken to the unwavering truth of our shared existence.
Where there is despair, hope
In darkness, may I illuminate the path with hope born from the realization of oneness.
Where there is darkness, light
May my presence shine forth as light, dispelling illusions and revealing the divine essence in all.
And where there is sadness, joy
In every moment of sorrow, may I celebrate the joy that arises from our eternal connection.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
Let me recognize that in giving comfort to others, I experience my own fulfillment through unity.
To be understood as to understand;
May I realize that true understanding comes from recognizing our shared consciousness.
To be loved as to love;
In loving others deeply, may I experience the boundless love inherent in our oneness.
For it is in giving that we receive;
As we share freely from our essence, we discover abundance within ourselves and others.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
Through forgiveness and acceptance of all beings’ journeys, we liberate ourselves into grace.
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Embracing transformation leads us beyond illusion into the realization of everlasting existence—So’ham asmi!