March 13, 2026

My Journey to God

Prayer of St. Francis

When I can’t stop the wars that rage,
Rid evil from the global stage
Or make world leaders disengage …
“Make me a channel of your peace” at home.

When people rant and rave online
Or face-to-face shout words unkind
When others’ views do not align …
“Where there is hatred, let me sow Your love.”

When others say unless there be
A kind of God that they can see,
They simply never will believe …
“Where there is doubt, let me model faith.”

When single mom can’t seem
To meet her unborn child’s needs
And there are other mouths to feed …
“When there’s despair, let me offer hope.”

When a loved one or a friend
Into addiction’s hell descends
And feels the battle will not end …
“Where there is darkness, let me shine Your light.”

And when I struggle through hard times,
My spirit trapped in dreary clime,
Remind me of Your love divine,
That “Where there’s sadness, I may sow Your joy.”

Amen.

By Natalie Hoefer
 

(Natalie Hoefer is a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis and is a reporter for The Criterion.) †

Local site Links: