Francis of Assisi quotes
1181 – 1226 · High Middle Ages, 12th–13th century · Catholic friar, preacher and founder of the Franciscan order
About Francis of Assisi
Born in Assisi and dying near Assisi, he abandoned family wealth to live in poverty, preach peace and humility, and organize followers into the Franciscan order. Tradition credits him with popularizing the live nativity; his spirituality emphasizes trust in divine providence, simple joy and solidarity with the poor.
Quotes
“Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.”
Source: no specific work is documented · Check the source
Disputed attributionWhat we know
- What is documented
- The prayer is commonly ascribed to Francis of Assisi in modern devotional sources, but no primary medieval text is cited in the available evidence.
- What remains uncertain
- The attribution is disputed: the wording appears in later compilations and varies across reproductions, with no early witness confirming it as a verbatim Franciscan text.
This prayer distills a spiritual posture: take each day simply, lean on a higher strength, wait without anxiety, and meet others in peace. It teaches turning tomorrow's fear into quiet confidence and brave calm in daily life.