Not to Be Understood

Recently came across this famous Prayer of St. Francis again in a new context, and it struck a new chord. I have tended to think of this prayer as a cry for help in reaching outside of my circles with God's love. But how would our churches and youth groups change if we carried this desire with us every time we entered the building?

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy 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;

to be loved, as to love;

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.

Amen.