The Freedom of Obedience

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

O God, you worked through the humility of St. Joseph of Cupertino and made weakness a place for your grace. As I begin this novena, quiet the fear that tells me I am not capable or worthy. Through his intercession, bless my honest work, deepen my desire to learn, and give me peace in every challenge. 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.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.

Joseph accepted difficult assignments and moves within his Franciscan life, learning to release his preferred plans. Christian obedience is modeled on Christ: it is not permission for wrongdoing, but a free and humble readiness for God's will. Learning also requires obedience to truth, patient methods, and responsibilities we did not choose.

Jesus, humble and obedient, free me from the need to have everything arranged my way. With St. Joseph praying for me, teach me to listen to wise guidance, respect truthful limits, and carry out my responsibilities without resentment. Give me courage to resist what is wrong and humility to accept what is rightly asked. 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 of Cupertino, you knew the strain of learning, the pain of being misunderstood, and the peace of relying on God. Pray for students, teachers, and all who face an examination or difficult task. Present my intention to the Lord. Help me prepare faithfully, act honestly, accept the result with humility, and remember that my worth rests in God's love, not in any score or success. Amen.

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