Do Not Be Afraid

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

O God, in your providence you chose St. Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the guardian of your Son. As I begin this novena, let me learn from his quiet faith and ready obedience. Through his intercession, watch over all that you have entrusted to me, and teach me to serve you in the ordinary work of my days. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph's careful plans were undone in a single night, and into that confusion God spoke: do not be afraid. He was asked to take on a mystery he did not fully understand, and he did. When our own plans are overturned, Joseph shows us how to trust the God who speaks in the dark.

Lord, when my plans collapse and I cannot see the way ahead, speak to me as you spoke to Joseph: do not be afraid. Give me the courage to receive what you ask, even when I do not understand it. Through his intercession, help me to say yes to your will and to trust that you are present in what I did not choose. Amen.

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. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Joseph, faithful guardian of Jesus and Mary, you provided for the Holy Family by the work of your hands and protected them in every danger. Take my needs into your fatherly care, and present them to your foster Son. Obtain for me a working heart, a watchful love for those in my charge, and at the last, a peaceful death in the friendship of God. Amen.

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