84  A Song of Francis of Assisi

1    Most High, all powerful, good Lord,  

to you be praise, glory, honour and all blessing.

2    Only to you, Most High, do they belong  

and no one is worthy to call upon your name.

3    May you be praised, my Lord, with all your creatures,

especially brother sun,  

through whom you lighten the day for us.

4    He is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;  

he signifies you, O Most High.

5    Be praised, my Lord, for sister moon and the stars:  

clear and precious and lovely, they are formed in heaven.

6    Be praised, my Lord, for brother wind;  

for air and clouds, clear skies and all weathers,

by which you give sustenance to your creatures.

7    Be praised, my Lord, for sister water,  

who is very useful and humble and precious and pure.

8    Be praised, my Lord, for brother fire,

by whom the night is illumined for us:  

he is beautiful and cheerful, full of power and strength.

9    Be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother earth,

who sustains and governs us  

and produces diverse fruits

and coloured flowers and grass.

10  Be praised, my Lord, by all those who forgive for love of you  

and who bear weakness and tribulation.

11  Blessed are those who bear them in peace:  

for you, Most High, they will be crowned.

12  Be praised, my Lord, for our sister, the death of the body,  

from which no one living is able to flee;

woe to those who are dying in mortal sin.

13  Blessed are those who are found doing your most holy will,  

for the second death will do them no harm.

14  Praise and bless my Lord and give him thanks  

and serve him with great humility.

 

Common Worship: Daily Prayer, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2005 and published by Church House Publishing.

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