Spiritual Restlessness: A Reading of the Prayers of St. Francis of Assisi.
This paper will attempt to bypass the legend of St. Francis by focusing upon an analysis of his prayers. It will be argued that, while these appear to give support to the view of Francis as a mystic and lover of nature, they also demonstrate his close reading and adherence to the teachings of the Gospels. Indeed, the Gospels are perhaps the primary source of Francis' theological system. It will be shown that it was the evocative simplicity of St. Francis' approach to issues of faith and life - as exemplified in his prayers - that was the source of his influence upon others and the continuing popularity of the Franciscan movement in the world today. 9 pgs. 17 f/c. 4b.
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