Den Number

Event Name

Date

Page 1 of 6

Greeting:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

A Scouting PrayerDear God, thank you for the opportunity to be here in your garden. Give us the strength to endure, the wisdom to enjoy each moment, and the courage to push ourselves further than we have ever before. Bless our troop and our leaders as we journey through Boy Scouting. Amen.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Proverbs 23:12

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Page 2 of 6

Saint Francis of Assisi (c. 1182 – October 3 1226) was an Italian religious leader who founded the Order of Friars Minor, more commonly known as the Franciscans. He is known as the patron saint of animals, birds, and the environment.

St. Francis and the Wolf

Perhaps the most famous story of St. Francis is when he tamed the wolf that was hurting the people of a small town. The people took up arms and went after the wolf, but those who encountered the wolf perished at its sharp teeth.

Francis had pity on the people and decided to go out and meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the people, but he insisted that God would take care of him.

Francis and his companion began to walk on. Suddenly the wolf came between the trees and charged with his mouth open. Francis made the Sign of the Cross toward it. The power of God caused the wolf to slow down and to close its mouth.

Then Francis called out “Come to me, Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ, I order you not to hurt anyone.” At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis’ feet, meek as a lamb.

St. Francis explained to the wolf that he had been hurting the people, killing not only animals, but humans who are made in the image of God. “Brother Wolf,” said Francis, “I want to make peace between you and the people of the town. They will harm you no more and you must no longer harm them. All past crimes are to be forgiven.”

Page 3 of 6

The wolf showed its agreement by moving his body and nodding its head. Then Francis asked the wolf to make a pledge. As St. Francis extended his hand to receive the pledge, so the wolf extended its front paw and placed it into the saint’s hand. Then Francis commanded the wolf to follow him into town to make a peace pact with the townspeople. The wolf meekly followed St. Francis.

By the time they got to the town square, everyone was there to witness the miracle. With the wolf at his side, Francis gave the town a sermon on the wondrous love of God, calling them to repent from all their sins. Then Francis asked the wolf if he would live in peace with the townspeople. He bowed his head and twisted his body in a way that convinced everyone he accepted the pact. The townspeople agreed that they would feed the wolf everyday so that he would not go hungry. Then once again the wolf placed its paw in Francis’ hand as a sign of the pact.

Talk about the themes of the passage.

Understanding, helping one another, forgiveness, honoring promises and kindness to animals.

Ask each Scout what they are thankful for this weekend.

Page 4 of 6

Lord's Prayer:

Leader: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Dismissal:

Leader: The service is ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God!

St. Francis of Assisi with Brother WolfPage 5 of 6

Page 6 of 6