PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX

"Almost all of the manusripts that contain this simple prayer indicate its origin at the foot of the crucifix in the Chuch of San Damiano.

It clearly reflects the struggle of the early years of the saint's life as well as his ever-present desire to fulfill the will of God. Thus it is a prayer that can be seen as characterizing the Poverello's entire life". ( The Classics of Western Spirituality - Francis & Clare the Complete works p. 103 )

Most high, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness
of my heart and give me Lord,
a correct faith, a certain hope,
a perfect charity, sense and knowledge,
so that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.

AMEN