The Prayer Before the Crucifix
The biographies of Saint Franics written by Thomas of Celano and Saint Bonaventure characterize the early years of the saint's conversion as a struggle to discern God's will. Both of these authors, as well as the author of the Legend of the Three Companions, describe the scene in the deserted church of San Damiano in Assisi during which the young Francis heard a command of the Crucified Lord while he was absorbed in prayer. "Francis," the voice told him, "go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling completely into ruin." The remainder of his life was spent consciously or unconsciously responding to that command.
O Most high,
glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me, Lord
a correct faith,
a certain hope,
a perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
so that I may carry out Your holy
and true command.