Laura Smith Writer

Author: mslauraasmith

  • That where there is discord, I may bring harmony

    The other translated line of this prayer reads “unity” instead of harmony. I will stick with the version of the prayer I have been using until this point. The word “discord” has multiple meanings according to the dictionary, a lack of agreement between people or ideas, quarreling, or in musical terns, dissonance, or lack of…

  • That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness

    Forgiveness is hard. Period. I don’t think that it is something I can think my way into either, it needs to come from the heart. I am good at lying to myself, and when I just think I am over a “wrong” done to me, the resentment will pop up someplace else in my life.…

  • That where there is hatred, I may bring love

    Easier said than done. Hatred seems a strong word; irritation, dislike, animosity, loathing, disgust and abhorrence are the synonyms though, and I can see myself indulging in any one of those. St. Francis held a high standard, but it came a sense of peace that those around him felt. I ask myself: am I a…

  • Lord, make me a channel of thy peace

    What does it mean to become a channel of peace? It sounds as if it could be a wee bit new ageish. I think, writing in the 13th century however, Saint Francis wasn’t going for the psychic medium angle. In order to become a channel one must first clear away the debris, the violent thoughts…

  • The Prayer of Saint Francis

    Lord, make me a channel of thy peace; that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring…

  • Spiritual Anorexia

    I gave myself a gift the other day and went to Kripalu Yoga Center for their Retreat and Renewal Program. One day, one luxurious stress-free day filled with healthy vegetarian food, yoga, meditation and writing. As I sat writing in the sun room overlooking the Berkshire Hills and Stockbridge Bowl, I realized that although I…

  • Eclipsed by the Knight

    The knight in shining armor, dream of many a small girl, and many a full grown girl. We yearn for the fairy tale, the glass slipper, the beast that turns handsome, or Richard Gere climbing a fire escape to whisk us from a life of poverty. A few nights ago I watched the latest Twilight…

  • Let the Mosquitoes Be Your Guide

    I needed quiet time with God today. I also needed a long run, so I dropped my car off to get my snow tires removed (I think it’s safe) and headed South on the Appalachian Trail. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I entered a field that abuts Route 7. I turned off my…