We all need extra prayers these days, so in the nine days leading up to the Feast of St. Francis (Sept. 25 – Oct. 4) let us join our voices together and ask St. Francis to intercede for us.  Visit our website each day for that day’s reflection and prayer. You can also find the entire novena by clicking here.

Day 1: September 25

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Conversion:  St. Francis, a wealthy young man, scorned beggars until he realized they, too, were God’s children. He vowed never again to refuse anyone who asked him something in God’s name.

God calls you, as he did St. Francis, to undergo a “conversion” experience. Many times in our lives we see the face of God in others, yet do not act. When we rise above our natural feelings and extend a small kindness, whether a helping hand, a smile, or a phone call, we are the ones who are blessed.

Action:  Today, find your conversion opportunity, and then be kind to someone who needs you.

Novena Prayer

St. Francis, friend of the lowly and poor,

Open my eyes to see God in all my brothers and sisters.

Pray for me St. Francis, that I, too, might experience a conversion on this day, and in the days to come. Amen.