Courage to pray for what seems impossible

From the Novena to St. Rita of Cascia

Sacred Scripture: Luke 18:27

Meditation for Day 3

When Rita prayed that God would take her sons rather than allow them to commit the mortal sin of murder, she asked for something that seemed unthinkable to human instinct but was, in faith, an act of supreme love for their immortal souls. Jesus declared, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God’ (Lk 18:27). Saint Rita is a great witness that God answers the prayers we dare not even utter. Bring before God today the petition you have been afraid to make, trusting that He can do far more than you can ask or imagine.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Closing Prayer

O excellent St. Rita, worker of miracles, from thy sanctuary in Cascia, where in all thy beauty thou sleepest in peace, where thy relics exhale breaths of paradise, turn thy merciful eyes on me who suffer and weep! Thou seest my poor bleeding heart surrounded by thorns. Thou seest, O dear Saint, that my eyes have no more tears to shed, so much have I wept! Weary and discouraged as I am, I feel the very prayers dying on my lips. Must I thus despair in this crisis of my life? O come, St. Rita, come to my aid and help me. Art thou not called the Saint of the Impossible, Advocate to those in despair? Then honor thy name, procuring for me from God the favor that I ask. [Here ask the favor you wish to obtain.] Everyone praises thy glories, everyone tells of the most amazing miracles performed through thee, must I alone be disappointed because thou hast not heard me? Ah no! Pray then, pray for me to thy sweet Lord Jesus that He be moved to pity by my troubles and that, through thee, O good St. Rita, I may obtain what my heart so fervently desires. (Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father, three times.)