The Secret to Inner Peace from St. Francis of Assisi

Introduction

In an anxious and restless world, many hearts long for a peace that lasts. St. Francis of Assisi, a man who gave up wealth and comfort to follow God, shows us that true peace comes when we release our grip on control and let grace reshape our hearts.

This guide explores how to find peace through St. Francis’s way of humility, simplicity, and love. You will learn how to apply his teachings to daily life, how faith and therapy can work together, and how Christian spirituality can heal anxiety and sadness without shame.

Quick Answers

What is the secret to St. Francis’s peace?
He trusted God completely and loved deeply, finding joy in simplicity and service.

Can I find peace when I feel anxious or sad?
Yes. Peace begins with surrender, prayer, and community. Faith and professional support can coexist.

Was Francis always peaceful?
No. He grew into peace through pain, humility, and compassion.

Can modern Christians live like him?
Yes. Francis’s peace begins in ordinary choices: forgiving, simplifying, and serving others.

Who Was St. Francis of Assisi

Born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, Francis was raised in wealth and comfort. After illness and failure, he encountered Christ in prayer and chose a new life of radical simplicity. He saw God in all creation, called everyone “brother” or “sister,” and built a life of peace rooted in love, not possessions.

Lesson 1: Peace Through Humility and Surrender

St. Francis discovered that peace begins when we stop trying to control everything. His prayer—“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”—shows that peace is a grace we receive when we surrender.

When worry rises, take a deep breath and pray, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.” Each breath becomes a moment of letting go.

Lesson 2: Simplicity

Simplicity is not about deprivation; it’s about freedom. Francis lived simply so that he could love freely.

Try small steps: give something away each week, limit social media use, and name a few things you’re thankful for each night. Simplicity creates space for peace.

Lesson 3: Joy in Creation

Francis saw creation as a reflection of God’s love. He found joy in sunlight, wind, and rain. Nature reminds us we are not separate from God’s world but part of it.

Take time each day to step outside. Notice what is beautiful. Say, “Thank You, Lord, for this gift.” Gratitude reconnects the heart to peace.

Lesson 4: Healing Anxiety and Sadness through Prayer

Faith and mental health belong together. Depression and anxiety are not signs of weak faith; they are human experiences that need care and compassion.

Use short prayers throughout the day:

“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”
“You are with me in this moment.”
“Where there is darkness, let me bring light.”

For guidance and support, see trusted Christian mental health resources such as Catholic Psych Institute, Faithful Counseling, and Christianity Today’s mental health articles.

Lesson 5: Peace in Community

Francis knew peace cannot grow in isolation. He built community rooted in prayer, joy, and service.

In your own life, seek fellowship: a church group, a trusted friend, or a counselor. Serving others also brings healing. Connection replaces fear with belonging.

Lesson 6: Sacramental and Scriptural Peace

For Catholic readers, peace flows through the sacraments—Confession, Eucharist, and the Anointing of the Sick. Each one brings grace to body and soul.

Reflect on these Scriptures:

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you.”
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything.”
Psalm 131 – “I have calmed and quieted my soul.”

Visit Catholic Directory NZ to find local parishes or priests who can help you begin again in grace.

Crisis and Hope

If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services at 111 in New Zealand.

If you need to talk, contact:

1737 (Need to Talk?) – Call or text 1737 anytime.
Lifeline NZ – 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or text 234

You are not alone. Help is available.

If you need to reach out and don’t know what to say, try:

“I’m really struggling and could use someone to listen.”
“I don’t feel safe with my thoughts. Can we talk?”

Lesson 7: Integrating Faith and Calm

Peace grows from small, consistent habits that nurture both faith and mental wellbeing.

Sleep: Keep regular rest times and pray before bed.
Movement: Walk outdoors and offer each step to God.
Breathing Prayer: Inhale “Lord Jesus Christ,” exhale “have mercy on me.”
Journaling: Write your feelings to God; end with gratitude.
Boundaries: Create time each day without screens.
Reflection: When anxious, ask, “Is this thought true and kind?”

Spiritual calm and psychological care work together—they are not opposed.

Lesson 8: Stories of Hope

Brother Leo once told Francis he feared failure. Francis replied, “True joy is not in success, but in patience and trust.”

Dorothy Day, inspired by Francis, found peace serving the poor amid her own suffering. Both remind us that peace is not escape—it’s faith that endures.

Talking to a Priest, Pastor, or Counselor

You can say, “I’ve been anxious and want to grow closer to God while getting practical support.”

A priest can offer prayer and guidance; a counselor can help you build healthy patterns of thought. Together, faith and therapy bring wholeness.

Resources for New Zealand

Catholic Directory NZ – www.catholic.org.nz/find-a-church/
New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association – www.nzcca.org.nz
Mental Health Support – www.1737.org.nz
Franciscan Spiritual Resources – www.franciscanfriars.com

Conclusion

The secret to inner peace, St. Francis teaches, is to trust that you are loved and to live that truth through humility, simplicity, and compassion.

You don’t need to change everything at once—just begin with one small act of surrender, one breath of prayer, one moment of love.

Peace is not far away. It is within you, waiting for grace to awaken it.

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.”