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One of the best known Christian prayers today is known as the 'Prayer of St Francis'. Francis of Assisi was a 12th - 13th century Friar and founder of the Friars Minor.  St Francis didn't actually write this prayer. It is much more recent. According to Daniel Horan it was composed by an anonymous French writer about 100 years ago. The prayer does reflect both the way St Francis lived his life and the Franciscan spiritual tradition .  Today is his day, so here is a version of the 'Prayer of St Francis' with music and photographic images of the natural world. You may like these previous posts about St Francis: Francis of Assisi and scrap metal Francis of Assisi Discomfort, anger, tears and foolishness - what a blessing! Image Credit: Gary Willmore on Flickr: CC License

The creator of this figure of Francis of Assisi thinks that most sculptures of St Francis seem grim. I'm amazed at what an attractive representation Joel Haas has made , using scrap steel. Although the material is hard it conveys the joy that I associate with St Francis. Today is the commemoration day for Francis of Assisi, Friar, Founder of the Friars Minor. The story of his life from rich merchant's son, a wild youth, to a life of poverty, praise and preaching is told here and here. He gathered like-minded brothers around him who became the first Franciscan monks. His simple rule was to follow Christ and to walk in his footsteps. It is said that Francis died on 4 October 1226 while preaching on Psalm 141, which is a prayer for preservation from evil. It's opening words are: I call upon you, O lord; come quickly to me;   give ear to my voice when I call to you.   Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,   and the lifting up of my hands as an ...