Saint FrancisPeace and Good
To keep silence — arte sacra do acervo franciscano do portal
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Prayers for every day · 339

Lay down what is heavy · To keep silence

A simple prayer to lay down what is heavy, within the small chapel “To keep silence.”

3 minutes readOriginal prayer by the portal

Lay down what is heavy

Some days call for few words and a quiet place to set them down. This prayer belongs to the small chapel “To keep silence.” Read slowly and let one sentence accompany you.

Prayers for every day

Lay down what is heavy · To keep silence

Lord, here I am before you, bringing this day as it truly is.

Today I place this path in your hands: to keep silence.

Receive what is heavy and what I can no longer carry alone.

May my prayer become care for someone and peace wherever I am.

Through Jesus, our brother and Lord. Amen.

A gesture for today

Carry one sentence with you

  1. Take three unhurried breaths.
  2. Choose one line from the prayer and repeat it during the day.
  3. Offer one concrete act of care without seeking recognition.

To remain a little longer

God also dwells in small things

You do not need to solve everything now. In “to keep silence,” offer only the next possible step. Francis called creatures sisters and brothers because he learned to receive life as relationship, not possession. Let this prayer return you to what is simple, true, and near.