Prayer of St. Francis

Wikipedia has a nice summary history of the prayer and source references. The prayer is mistakenly attributed to St Francis of Assisi and often called “The Prayer of St Francis” or “The Peace Prayer of St Francis.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis

Reputedly, it was Bill W’s favorite prayer. Two pieces of AA literature contain versions of it. In 1953, Bill W included a version of the prayer in the 12&12 essay on Step 11 but attributed it only to an unnamed saint. The prayer serves as an example of reflection to make a beginning on learning the practice of prayer and meditation. It differs from a more widely distributed popular version. In 1955 an attributed version was read to the attendees at the historic 1955 International Convention in St Louis. It is chronicled in “AA Comes of Age” at the end of Chapter V “Religion Looks at Alcoholics Anonymous.” This version is missing a line from the 12&12 version.

Contrary to popular belief, the prayer was not written by St Francis of Assisi. Its origin can be traced to its discovery in Paris, France in 1912 printed in a religious magazine with no attribution. Around 1920, the prayer was printed by a French Franciscan priest on the back of an image of St Francis with the title “Prayer for Peace.” It first appeared in the US in 1927, again printed in a religious magazine, but this time with an attribution to St Francis. During World War II and immediately after, it circulated widely as the “Prayer of St Francis.” Over the years, it has gained worldwide popularity. However, its author remains a mystery.

​ttp://highwatchrecovery.com/history From the High Watch Farm Website ­​ h

High Watch was established in 1940 as the world’s first 12­Step treatment center … Today, AA’s widespread use of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is attributed to Sister Francis (Ethelred Folsom) … The colorful history of High Watch begins with Sister Francis … With a vision of creating a place of retreat for anyone in need of healing, Sister Francis purchased farmland in Kent, CT in 1926. She named it Joy Farm … In 1942, Bobby B., one of the secretaries of the Alcoholic Foundation wrote to Sister Francis saying, “your (I always think of it as yours) Prayer of St. Francis is becoming so well known and loved in AA, that we are having 500 printed to send out to the older members … knowing your great love and reliance on the prayer I felt you would want to know of this” … It has been speculated that Bill W’s familiarity with the Prayer of St. Francis came from Sister Francis.