Modeling a Life of Prayer and Action 

How do we model a life of prayer and action? Michele Dunne, the Executive Director of the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) explores how the legacy of St. Francis Assisi’s life inspires her work today. She invites you to join her in creating a modern movement grounded in the values of St. Francis.  

At one point during his spiritual journey, St. Francis of Assisi became unsure whether he should continue itinerant preaching or devote himself fully to contemplative prayer, which he often practiced alone in nature for days or weeks at a time. He asked two of his trusted spiritual companions, Clare and Sylvester, to help him discern his path. Each came back separately with the same answer: keep preaching. Francis took to the road immediately, running swiftly, writes St. Bonaventure, “as though the hand of God were upon him.” The life that St. Francis modeled became one of prayer and action. 

My colleagues and I at the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) believe that following Jesus, as modeled by St. Francis of Assisi, leads from contemplative prayer to loving action and back again. We’re joined in this belief by thousands of members and dozens of Franciscan Justice Circles across the country. Our diverse network speaks with a collective Franciscan voice on many public policy issues including climate change and the health of the environment, economic and racial justice, immigration, polarization, gun violence, wars, militarism, and more. Despite the specific challenges of these many issues, our advocacy comes down to one thing: kinship with all humanity and all creation. 

Francis’ sense of kinship with all—oneness—is what we as contemplatives strive to achieve. It challenges us to see the world in a new way. What if we were to see no “them” but only “us”? What if we no longer saw people according to national origin/race/religion/social class/political party but as sisters and brothers to be treated with courtesy and care? What if we saw the wounded earth not as something we steward, but as an integrated being of which we are part?  

The practice of seeing the world based on kinship is the practice of simplicity and sustainability itself, and, like most things that are simple–it’s also radical. From the roots of this seeing grows an interest in many kinds of public policies, like voting rights, compassionate immigration practices, the Child Tax Credit, and aspects of the Farm Bill that protect food benefits as well as the environment. 

Just as important as policy is how we communicate our message. After all, members of Congress and U.S. officials are also sisters and brothers and should be addressed with courtesy and humility. While Franciscan-style messaging requires care, the advantage of acting from a place of humility is that we don’t have to pretend to have all the answers. We have to do what loving kinship demands: ask the right questions, name the moral principles, and articulate compassionate policy alternatives. 

Contemplative wisdom is also indispensable in one of the challenging parts of FAN’s work: the rare occasions on which we engage in nonviolent civil disobedience (such as a peaceful protest inside a congressional office building calling for a ceasefire in Gaza). The whole process—from discerning whether Love demands action, to selecting the prayers and songs that will accompany us, to having the courage to carry it out —is a deeply contemplative experience.  

For me, when I am engaged in nonviolent action, everything seems to move slowly, and my breath comes deeply and evenly. I notice every detail of what is happening around me and feel no fear as I take a form of loving action. 

Civil disobedience is a small part of Franciscan-hearted action. It’s only for those who feel called to do it. FAN welcomes people at all places in their spiritual journey who identify with the values of St. Francis and offers many ways to advocate for planet, people, and peace. If you feel moved to join us, we welcome you to reach out to our community. 

Reflect with Us 

Have you ever been unsure which move to make next on your path? How did you discern your right next step? Share your reflection with us. 

Michele Dunne OFS is a professed Secular Franciscan and the Executive Director of Franciscan Action Network. Before her current position, she worked for many years in peace, human rights, and diplomacy with a special focus on the Middle East. She lives in Washington DC with her husband. 

We Conspire is a series from the Center for Action and Contemplation featuring wisdom and stories from the growing Christian contemplative movement. Sign up for the monthly email series and receive a free invitation to practice each month.