The Divine Praises of St. Francis of Assisi
The Divine Praises of St. Francis of Assisi, also known as Laudes Dei Altissimi (“The Praises of God Most High”), is one of the most beautiful and profound prayers to come from the heart of Franciscan spirituality.
Unlike many prayers that ask God for help or guidance, this prayer is pure praise. It is a litany of adoration — a contemplative gaze fixed entirely on who God is.
Written near the end of St. Francis’ life, these words reveal the depth of his union with God and the simplicity of his love.
When Did St. Francis Write the Divine Praises?
St. Francis composed these praises in 1224 while staying at Mount La Verna in Italy. It was during this time of intense prayer and solitude that he received the stigmata — the sacred wounds of Christ.
This moment in his life was marked by deep contemplation and profound union with God. The Divine Praises flow from that union. They are not theological arguments or structured doctrines; they are the spontaneous overflow of a heart fully surrendered.
For Francis, praise was not something added to life — it was life.
A Prayer of Pure Adoration
What makes this prayer so powerful is its simplicity.
Nearly every line begins with:
“You are…”
There are no requests.
No petitions.
No explanations.
Only recognition.
St. Francis contemplates the attributes of God:
Holiness
Goodness
Love
Wisdom
Justice
Beauty
Peace
Mercy
This pattern of repetition creates a rhythm of reverence. It trains the soul to rest not in what God gives, but in who God is.
In a world filled with noise and distraction, this prayer invites stillness.
The Trinitarian Heart of the Prayer
The Divine Praises are deeply Trinitarian. Francis addresses:
“You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.”
In one brief line, he affirms the mystery of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — united in perfect goodness.
The prayer moves naturally from God’s transcendence (“Most High,” “Almighty”) to His closeness (“our protector,” “our haven,” “our hope”).
It holds together both awe and intimacy.
This balance lies at the heart of Catholic worship and Franciscan devotion.
The Heart of Franciscan Spirituality
St. Francis lived radical poverty, but he possessed immense spiritual wealth because he believed:
“You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.”
That single line captures the Franciscan charism.
God is enough.
In praising God’s beauty, gentleness, justice, and mercy, Francis shows us that holiness is not complicated. It begins by recognizing God as the source of all goodness.
This prayer also harmonizes beautifully with Eucharistic spirituality. The same God whom Francis praises is the God who gives Himself in the Eucharist — humble, hidden, and entirely gift.
The Divine Praises (Full Text)
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.
– by St. Francis of Assisi
A Reflection from One of Our Brothers
One of our Franciscan brothers has recorded a short reflection on the Divine Praises below and their meaning for daily prayer. In this video, he shares how this prayer can shape our interior life and deepen our love for God.
How to Pray the Divine Praises
This prayer can be used:
Before or after Eucharistic Adoration
During personal morning prayer
As a meditation on God’s attributes
As an examination of how we reflect God’s goodness in our own lives
You may pray it slowly, pausing after each “You are…” to contemplate what that attribute reveals about God.
Over time, the soul begins to recognize that praise itself is a form of rest.
The Divine Praises of St. Francis of Assisi remain a timeless invitation:
Lift your eyes.
Recognize who God is.
And let praise become your life.