Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace

Description

Kent Nerburn's Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, immerses us in the spirit of one of the most universally inspiring figures in history: St. Francis of Assisi. The Prayer of St. Francis boldly but gently challenges us to resist the forces of evil and negativity with the spirit of goodwill and generosity. And Nerburn shows, in his wonderfully personal and humble way, how we each can live out the prayer's prescription for living in our everyday and less-than-saintly lives. "Where there is hatred, let me sow love...Where there is injury, let me sow pardon..." Expanding upon each line of the St. Francis Prayer, Nerburn shares touching, inspiring stories from his own experience and that of others and reveals how each of us can make a difference for good in ordinary ways without being heroes or saints. Struggling to help a young son comfort his best friend when his mother dies, moved by the courage of war enemies who reconcile, being wrenched out of self-absorbed depression by responding to someone else's tragedy, taking a spirited old lady on a farewell taxi ride through her town-these are the kinds of everyday moments in which Nerburn finds we can live out the spirit of St. Francis. By incorporating the power and grace of these few lines of practical idealism into our thoughts and deeds, we can begin to ease our own suffering-and the suffering of those with whom we share our lives. And, remarkably, find a way to true peace and happiness by tapping into our basic human goodness. As we open our hearts and embrace his words, St. Francis "touches our deepest humanity and ignites the spark of our divinity." Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love, Where there is injury let me sow pardon, Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, And where there is sadness, joy...In this beautifully written book, Kent Nerburn leads us into the heart of the St. Francis Prayer and line by line demonstrates how St. Francis's words can resonate in our lives today.

Kent Nerburn has been widely praised as one of the few writers who can respectfully bridge the gap between native and nonnative cultures. His book Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder won the 1995 Minnesota Book Award.

"What a lovely book!"-- Anne Lamott, author of "Bird by Bird and "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith"I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed Ken Nerburn's "Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace. I have never realized the depth of thought in that brief prayer of St. Francis. Kent Nerburn, in a few masterful strokes and touching stories, plumbs its depths and offers us a precious little treasure."-- Joseph F. Girzone, author of "Joshua "An ennobling book. It will not only make you feel better, it might just make you a better person."-- Huston Smith, author of "The World's Religions"Kent Nerburn has written a little jewel of a book, to warm the heart and touch the soul."-- Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, author of "When Bad Things Happen to Good People"Kent Nerburn offers his mindful heart and thoughtful presence to illuminate the penetrating wisdom of Francis's sweet prayer. This book is a pearl of great price, revealing how the most potent, authentic prayer is also tender and very human. Kent Nerburn is a wise companion who has given us a blessing to be cherished again and again."-- Wayne Muller, author of "Legacy of the Heart and "How, Then, Shall We Live?"Kent Nerburn has tackled a well developed Franciscan prayer and topic with the freshness of an outside and contemporary perspective. Filled with stories from modern life in the west, it is thoroughly enjoyable as a quick, refreshing read, yet filled with spiritual gems."-- John Michael Talbot, founder of Brothers and Sisters of Charity, author of "The Lessons of St. Francis