Instrument of Peace: Meditations on the Prayer of Saint Francis is a series of reflections by Alan Paton based on the beloved prayer of the mystic Italian friar.
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Thus begins the beloved prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. Although there is some debate over whether the mystic Italian friar actually wrote this poetic prayer, it well expresses his sentiments as a preacher of peace, love, and unity.

Author and freedom-fighter Alan Paton shared those sentiments, drawing upon the Prayer of Saint Francis to write Instrument of Peace (originally titled Instrument of Thy Peace) while his wife Dorrie lay dying of emphysema.