Oração de São Francisco

The song 'Oração de São Francisco' by Cantores de Deus is a musical rendition of the famous prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. This prayer is a plea for peace, love, and understanding, and the song beautifully captures its essence through its heartfelt lyrics. The opening lines, 'Senhor, fazei-me instrumento de vossa paz,' set the tone for the entire piece, asking the Lord to make the singer an instrument of peace. This request is followed by a series of petitions to bring love where there is hatred, forgiveness where there is offense, and unity where there is discord. Each line is a call to action, urging the listener to embody these virtues in their daily life.

The second part of the song shifts focus to the personal transformation required to achieve these lofty goals. The lyrics, 'Ó mestre, fazei que eu procure mais consolar, que ser consolado,' emphasize the importance of selflessness and empathy. The singer asks to be more focused on consoling others rather than seeking consolation, understanding others rather than seeking to be understood, and loving others rather than seeking to be loved. This shift from self-centeredness to other-centeredness is a core tenet of many spiritual teachings and is particularly resonant in the context of Saint Francis's life and work.

The final lines of the song, 'Pois é dando que se recebe, é perdoando que se é perdoado, e é morrendo que se vive para a vida eterna,' encapsulate the paradoxical wisdom often found in spiritual traditions. By giving, one receives; by forgiving, one is forgiven; and by dying, one attains eternal life. These lines serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of selflessness and the eternal rewards that come from living a life of compassion and love. The song, through its simple yet profound lyrics, invites the listener to reflect on their own actions and strive to be a force for good in the world.