It was in the midst of a protracted and bloody Crusade battle in 1219 when Francis of Assisi, founder of the Order of Friars Minor, traveled to Egypt to plead with the Sultan to intervene in the fighting between Muslims and Christians there. Francis was determined to bring peace or be martyred trying. Such a profound commitment to the peaceful tenets of his faith!
The now famous "make me an instrument of your peace" prayer, though unlikely written by Francis himself, illustrates the type of faith Francis lived: one at odds with the logic of the world, and one which follows the command of Jesus to love our neighbor and do good to those who wish us ill.
Francesca LaRosa and Sarah Hart have set this prayer of peace to a highly singable melody that begins with a peacefully restrained verse and then erupts with joy in the refrain. Skillfully arranged for two-part vocals, piano, guitar and cello, it’s destined to be the new go-to version of this timeless text!