Novena to St. Benedict – Day 3: Selflessness and Charity
Join in praying the Novena to St. Benedict to seek his intercession and powerful protection.
Today's Focus: Selflessness and Charity
On this third day, we focus on overcoming selfishness and growing in charity. St. Benedict taught his monks to put others before themselves and to serve with love and humility.
Prayer for Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious Saint Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at your feet. I implore you in your loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God.
To you I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my selfishness and my indifference to God and to my neighbor. Inspire me to imitate you in all things.
May your blessing be with me always, so that I may see and serve Christ in others and work for His kingdom.
Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces which I need so much in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life.
Your heart was always full of love, compassion and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. You never dismissed without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to you.
I therefore invoke your powerful intercession, confident in the hope that you will hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I earnestly implore.
We also pray for these intentions… (State your intentions here)
Help me, great Saint Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to run in the sweetness of His loving will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven.
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.
Reflection
St. Benedict\'s Rule emphasizes the importance of community and service to others. He taught that true holiness comes from putting the needs of others before our own desires and preferences.
As we reflect on this aspect of St. Benedict\'s life and teaching, let us ask ourselves how we can apply these lessons to our own lives and grow in holiness.
May St. Benedict\'s intercession help us to overcome our weaknesses and to grow stronger in our faith and love for God and neighbor.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in St. Benedict
Trust completely in St. Benedict\'s powerful intercession and his ability to help you. Turn to him with confidence in every need.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. St. Benedict will not fail to help those who turn to him with trust.
Be Specific
Present your specific needs and intentions to St. Benedict. He wants to help you with the particular difficulties you face.
Be Grateful
Thank St. Benedict for his intercession and for the graces you receive. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more blessings.
Closing Prayer
O glorious St. Benedict, help me to overcome selfishness and grow in charity toward others. May your example of selfless service inspire me to put others before myself and to serve with love and humility. Amen.