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The Praises of God by Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226) Timeline English version by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP & Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Original Language Italian Christian : Catholic 13th Century You are holy, Lord, the only God, You do wonders. You are strong, You are great, You are the most high, You are the almighty King. You, Holy Father, the King of heaven and earth. You are Three and One, Lord God of gods; You are good, all good, the highest good, Lord, God, living and true. You are love, charity. You are wisdom; You are humility; You are patience; You are beauty; You are meekness; You are security; You are inner peace; You are joy; You are our hope and joy; You are justice; You are moderation, You are all our riches. You are beauty, You are meekness; You are the protector, You are the guardian and defender; You are strength; You are refreshment. You are our hope, You are our faith, You are our charity, You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life: Great and wonderful Lord, God almighty, Merciful Savior.   1224   -- from Francis and Clare: The Complete Works: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP / Translated by Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Amazon.com   / Photo by cogdogblog /	Themes   Bliss   Honey   King   Lover and Beloved   Smile Recommended Books All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time, by Robert Ellsberg Canticle of the Sun: (Calligrapher's Series), by Francis of Assisi For Lovers of God Everywhere: Poems of the Christian Mystics, by Roger Housden Francis and Clare: The Complete Works: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP / Translated by Ignatius C. Brady, OFM Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life , by Adrian House More >>
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

This prayer-poem by St. Francis might seem a little formally religious for some tastes, but it has a devout beauty and strength to it.

Read the poem with the recognition that these words of praise were written by St. Francis immediately after receiving the stigmata during his meditations at Mount LaVerna in September 1224. (In fact, the original document, written in Francis's own hand, is still preserved in Assisi.)

The repetition of the attributes of God takes on a driving rhythm, shamanic in its effect, with the potential to awaken sacred trance. This is a poem not meant to be read once, but to be chanted, over and over, until ecstasy takes over.

The words are simple but can swallow you whole.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2011 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.