In this meditation, I begin a new series exploring the meditative wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi.
For Francis, contemplation was at the centre of his life and spiritual practice. Among the prayers associated with his tradition is a simple request: “Most high and glorious God, bring light to the darkness of my heart.”
We begin by creating an inner cave of meditation — a quiet heart space in which we can encounter ourselves honestly, rest in the present moment and become open to divine grace.
All of us experience darkness at different times: stress, sorrow, struggle, temptation, uncertainty or a loss of hope. Meditation does not require us to deny these experiences. Instead, we acknowledge the darkness and consciously invite light.
Using breath and visualisation, we breathe in light and breathe out peace. We can also extend that light towards people or situations in need of compassion, healing and hope.
This meditation offers a gentle practice of Christian meditation, contemplative prayer and Franciscan spirituality, helping us respond to darkness not with fear, but with awareness, compassion and light.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: The meditations of St. Francis
00:58 – Opening bell
01:25 – Choosing the present moment
02:20 – Relaxing areas of tension
02:30 – Entering the inner cave
03:18 – The prayer for divine light
03:41 – Acknowledging darkness
04:44 – Bringing light into difficult places
05:27 – Breathing in light
06:45 – Offering light to others
07:06 – Interceding with compassion
07:58 – Light for the darkness within
08:15 – Resting in divine presence
09:22 – Letting the prayer fade
09:29 – Returning to the body
09:51 – Closing bell