Pray with Me: Becoming an Instrument of Peace

A beloved prayer, an unexpected history

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” These familiar words invite us to bring Christ’s love into the ordinary places where peace feels fragile: our homes, conversations, workplaces and hearts.

Often attributed to St Francis of Assisi, the Peace Prayer was not written by him. Its earliest known publication was in December 1912, in the French Catholic magazine La Clochette, where it appeared anonymously. Its author remains unknown. The association with St Francis developed later.

That distinction matters: we can treasure this prayer without giving it a mistaken history. Its call to humility, reconciliation and self-giving love resonates deeply with the Franciscan spirit.

What the Peace Prayer asks of us

The prayer asks God to make us instruments of peace: people who answer hatred with love, injury with pardon, doubt with faith and despair with hope. It turns our attention from being understood towards understanding, and from receiving consolation towards offering it.

This is not a demand to ignore our own needs or pretend that harm does not matter. Forgiveness does not mean remaining in danger or abandoning wise boundaries. Christ’s peace holds truth and mercy together.

We cannot mend every broken relationship today. But, with God’s grace, we can choose one patient answer, one honest apology or one quiet act of kindness.

Pray with me: peace in our everyday relationships

The following is an original prayer inspired by the Peace Prayer.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

You know the conversations I am dreading, the words I wish I had not spoken, and the worries that make me impatient with those I love.

Before I try to change anyone else, quiet my heart in your presence. Help me to listen without preparing my defence, to speak truth without cruelty, and to pause when anger rises.

Where I have caused hurt, give me courage to apologise. Where I have been wounded, lead me towards forgiveness, with the support and boundaries I need.

Bless the person with whom I struggle today. You know their burdens as well as mine. Teach me to see them as someone loved by you.

Let your Holy Spirit guide my words and actions. Make our homes places of safety, our conversations places of honesty, and our small acts of kindness signs of your love.

Jesus, let your peace begin in me and flow through me. Amen.

Let one small act of peace be enough for your next step.