Great God, we pray especially for all who seek to live their lives in simplicity, following the example of St. Francis and others – especially the example of Jesus himself.
We seek and joy and simplicity in our own lives and dedication to the imitation of Christ.
We ask humility to identify with poverty and suffering and a deeper concern for the natural world of which we are a part.
We thank you for all birds and animals and the beauty and wonder of your creation.
You delight to reveal yourself to the childlike and the humble in spirit: may we, following the example of St. Francis, count the wisdom of this world as foolishness and know only Jesus Christ, his humility and his greatness.
Amen.