The reincarnations of the Prayer of Saint Francis

This prayer has played a role in my life for a long time. I first remember using it in junior high school. In college, I blew off the dust and used it with a desire to follow my patron saint in whatever direction God may be leading me. In law school, I wanted to use my tools and knowledge to help those less fortunate and help build a society that protects all God's people and brings them closer to Christ.

It is interesting to reflect on my intentions behind my prayer recitations. Usually, or at least most frequently, I prayed this prayer with an ardent desire to be used by Jesus as His instrument to further the mission of the Church on Earth. I wanted (want) to be a soldier for Christ and His Church; a peaceful soldier. Recently, I have once again found new meaning for this prayer in my life. In the prayer's newest reincarnation, I have been focusing more on how Christ can use me to help family, friends, and others close to me. You can see my most recent emphasis below.

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. Amen.

What do you focus on when you pray these words? Do you have any prayers that you have continued to recite and change the meaning of in your own mind over the years?