During his life, Saint Francis wrote some of the most famous and beautiful prayers in which he raises marvellous praises to God. He is the author of the oldest poetic text in Italian literature, the Canticle of the Creatures, also known as the Canticle of Brother Sun, now partially found in Codex 338, in the Biblioteca del Sacro Convento in Assisi. It is a Praise to God for all the wonderful things he created which, in their turn, mirror the power and beauty of their Creator. He has a positive vision of the world and of life, in net contrast with the medieval inclination to be detached and despise this world, where man was destined to suffer and fight against sin all his life.

The Simple Prayer (This prayer is traditionally attributed To Saint Francis)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Prayer before a Crucifix

Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me Lord, a correct