Run with Perseverance

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.

Therefore let's also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let's run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Perseverance is not frantic effort without rest. It is the grace to return to the race after distraction, confusion, or disappointment. Joseph's path included rejection and delay, yet he continued with the next faithful step. Lay aside the weight of perfectionism today. Do what can be done, rest when needed, and begin again.

God of patience, you do not ask me to run another person's race. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, help me lay aside perfectionism, avoidance, and discouragement. Give me discipline to take the next step, wisdom to rest before exhaustion, and perseverance to return when I stumble. Keep my eyes on Christ. 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.