The Contemplative Franciscan Leader
Francis and Clare of Assisi’s quest for the living God included a life dedicated to contemplative practice. Their deepest desire, in fact, was to emulate Jesus Christ. They knew from Scripture that Jesus encouraged us to “go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees you in secret will repay you” (Mt 6:6). It was through quiet prayer that they came to know what God was asking of them, and their deep relationship with God gave them the courage to leave their lives of privilege and embrace simplicity.