“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.”
— Francis of Assisi · 1181 – 1226Source: 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.
Understanding the quote
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.
The story behind it
The wording is most visible on modern prayer cards and church websites, showing broad devotional use rather than a traceable original text.
Going further
- The era
- c. 1181–1226, the high medieval period when mendicant movements arose in Italy.
- The thinking
- It reflects Franciscan spirituality: live simply, trust God, and keep a joyful, peaceful heart. Practically, it asks you to choose trust over anxious control.
- Key word
- Trustful surrender: giving daily life to divine providence while staying peaceful and active.
- Who quoted it
- Frequently reprinted in parish bulletins, prayer cards, Catholic blogs and devotional compilations.
Three challenges to live it
In the app, you pick the one that fits your day, and in the evening you say how it went.
Take 6 minutes this morning of silent breath practice: sit, close your eyes, inhale 4s, hold 2s, exhale 6s, entrusting the day ahead.
The prayer emphasizes restful trust; focused breathing calms the mind, centers attention, and helps you lean on a larger strength throughout the day.
Call someone close today and listen without interrupting for 10 minutes; end the call by offering a word of peace or joy.
The prayer asks to meet others peacefully and joyfully; focused listening practices that presence and creates space for gentle, trusting connection.
Take a slow 20-minute walk outdoors; with each step quietly repeat 'peace', 'trust', 'joy' while breathing calmly.
The prayer connects simple daily life and steady trust; a mindful walk grounds you, pairs rest with intentional movement, and opens you to facing tomorrow bravely.
How might you face today with quiet trust rather than anxious planning?
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