Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Saint Francis, the Canticle of the Sun, and the wild spaciousness of the gospel. (52 ways to pray)

Apr 09, 2026

Just a few days ago we celebrated Easter—the main event of our faith, the hinge point of human history. Yet many Christians in the West still misunderstand the significance of the very thing they’re celebrating.

Contrary to how it is often taught, the Resurrection is not simply about Jesus fulfilling our sentence of punishment, or even about Jesus giving us a key to heaven’s door when we die.

The Resurrection, first and foremost, is about the inauguration of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

It is the beginning of the recreation of the world, a restoration of all that God called good when he made it.

Salvation is not simply for us, it is for creation. The earth itself; the land along with the seas and the trees; the cosmos and all the creatures.

Saint Francis of Assisi remains one of the most beloved figures in church history, but he was seen as eccentric in his time. He was known to preach to birds in the forest. He regarded animals with affection, calling them “brother” and “sister.”

In one legendary tale, Francis visits the village of Gubbio which is plagued by the attacks of a vicious wolf. He seeks out the beast who he calls “brother wolf,” pacifies him, and brokers a lasting friendship between the wolf and the villagers who had been enemies.

Francis had a sweeping, spacious sense of gospel redemption. In light of Jesus’ death and resurrection, Francis saw dignity and kindredness everywhere in nature. He saw all of creation as a garden brimming with God’s redeeming glory.

Shortly before his death, Francis wrote what would become of his most famous works, Canticle of the Sun (or Canticle of the Creatures). In it he not only praises God for creation, in a way he prays through creation.

Practice

This prayer is best prayed outside.

Sit somewhere comfortable where you can take in a view, or you may even pray as you walk along a trail.
Let nature be your medium for prayer.

Before you begin, take a few moments to simply behold.

See if you can become aware of, and even grateful for, the natural world around you. What have you been overlooking?
Take note of the warmth of the sun, the rustling of trees, the coolness of the wind.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an animal, be curious about how their way of being might speak to you.
Remember Jesus’ words to his followers...Look at the birds of the air...See the how the flowers of the field grow...

Pray Francis’ time-honored praise:

Canticle of the Sun (1225)

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing, To You alone, Most High, do they belong,and no human is worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor; and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather, through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,through whom You light the night, and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs. Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love, and bear infirmity and tribulation. Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin. Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will, for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great Humility.

Amen.