For the Sick: a novena with Saint Josemaría Escrivá
During nine days, we will pray for the sick, under the guidance of St. Josemaría Escrivá.
Why pray for the sick?
Whether we are the ones going through it, or a member of our entourage is, battling an illness is incredibly challenging.
We often can't do anything besides offering our comforting assistance and constant prayers to those who suffer. While sometimes it may appear useless to pray for someone who is sick, God thinks otherwise. His heart looks tenderly upon those who intercede for the sick and suffering, and he often performs a miraculous healing because of the faith he sees in others (cf. Luke 5:17-26).
While God does not “guarantee” to heal someone because of our prayers, he always receives and answers them, though not always in the ways we expect.
We should certainly pray to God for healing, but we also must accept God's Will, whatever it may be, with faith and confidence.
It is easier said than done, but we know that God is a loving and attentive Father, and this is a very encouraging thought.
During this novena, we will pray for the sick, through the intercession of St. Josemaría Escrivá.
Every day, you'll receive:
- A selection from St. Josemaría's writing on the sick.
- An intention based on those texts.
- The daily prayers.
Source: St. Josemaría Institute
Picture: Holding hands - CC0 Public domain.