29 Apr 2021 Novena in Honor of St. Peregrine
Day Four – Prayer for Courage to Accept Suffering
2 Cor 5:1-2; 6-8
Brothers and sisters: We know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. And in this earthly state we do indeed groan… So we are always courageous, although we know what while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight… Yet we are courageous.
Gentle Lord Jesus, you are the source of everything beautiful and good. It was you who taught us to pray “thy will be done.” It is easy to say “thy will be done,” but much harder to accept it – especially when it may involve pain and suffering. We often do not see anything good or beneficial in suffering, so we run from your will. Yet, you will only good for all your creation. Help us to practice acceptance so that one day we may come to see your guiding, healing hand, and know the Easter glory you promise.
Our Father, who art in heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you….
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
Dear St. Peregrine, brother and friend, faithful Servant of Mary, kindly listen to our plea. You followed the way of humility and sacrifice, denying your own will and taking up your cross each day. Struck with a cancerous wound, you accepted God’s will with an unchanging spirit, uniting your sufferings with those of the Redeemer. Pray for us, blessed Peregrine, that we too may learn to accept the will of God with courage and joy.
May God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whose holiness shines forth in you, St. Peregrine, receive all honor and glory forever. Amen.
St. Peregrine, pray for us.