All workplaces have their conflicts, and some are outright contentious. Grudges have a tendency to fester among people who see each other every day. And disliking someone is sometimes the easiest course of action — it feels protective somehow, and it spares us from the difficult work of honesty, forgiveness, and problem-solving.

Many recovering people have made use of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, which begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.” Repeating this prayer can take my mind off the drama. By tempering my instinctive reactions to others’ behavior, it helps me at least avoid escalating the conflicts I encounter.

Today I will read the Prayer of St. Francis and repeat it anytime I think it would be helpful, asking my Higher Power to help me spread serenity without saying a word.