A PRAYER FOR GRATITUDE

Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) founder of the Franciscan order made famous this prayer of gratitude:
Most High, all powerful, good Lord,
to you all praise, glory and honor and all blessing;
to you alone, Most High, they belong
and no one is worthy of naming you.
Praised by you, my Lord,
with all your creatures,
especially Milord (my Lord) Brother Sun,
who brings day, and by whom you enlighten us;
he is beautiful, he shines with great splendor,
of you, Most High, he is the symbol.
Praised be you, my Lord, for sister Moon and the Stars:
in the heavens you formed them, 
clear, precious and beautiful.
Praised by you, my Lord, for Brother Wind
and for the air and for the clouds, 
for the azure calm and for all climes
by which you give life to your creatures. 
Praised by you, my Lord, for Sister Water, 
who is very useful and humble, 
precious and chaste. 
Praised by you, my Lord, for Brother Fire, 
by whom you enlighten the night: 
he is beautiful and joyous, 
indomitable and strong. 
Praised by you, my Lord, 
for Sister our mother the earth
who nourishes us and bears us, 
and produces all kinds of fruits, 
with the speckled flowers and the herbs. 
“What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!” Jesus