In light of tragedy in Christchurch and World Harmony Day yesterday, this prayer of St Francis of Assisi focus’ on peace.  St Francis lived in the late 12^th, early 13^th centuries in Italy.  Whilst St Francis is remembered for his harmony with nature and care of the poor, in 1219 St Francis accompanied the armies of Western Europe to Damietta, Egypt during the Fifth Crusade.  His desire was to speak peacefully with Muslim people and to stop the Crusaders from attacking the Muslim people.

He was captured and taken to the Sultan.  The Sultan was known as a fair and kind ruler.  Despite initial hesitancies from both, they quickly realised that the other already knew and loved God.  For as many as twenty days, St Francis stayed with the Sultan discussing prayer and the mystical life.

Here we have an example of interfaith dialogue whereby despite differences in religion, people of prayer can find common ground in their experiences of God.  Dialogue demands that we truly listen to the other; but, before we can listen, we must see each other as a precious human being loved by God.  This is our path to peace in our 21st century.