Prayer for Patience

Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), the strength to bear trials, delays, and the faults of others without losing peace or charity. St. James writes that "the trying of your faith worketh patience," and that patience leads to a perfect and complete work (James 1:3-4). This prayer asks for that grace, and for the ability to carry our cross with Jesus and to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Pray it when you are stuck in traffic, waiting for news, caring for a sick relative, raising young children, or dealing with a difficult coworker. It is also a good prayer before confession, if impatience or anger is a recurring struggle. Say it slowly, take a breath, and trust that God's timing is wiser than ours.

The Prayer

O my God, I ask of Thee the grace of patience in all the trials of this life. Teach me to bear my cross with Jesus, to forgive as I have been forgiven, and to wait in hope for Thy holy will. Amen.

Sources: Traditional patience prayer; classic manuals style, public domain.

---

If these prayers help you, you can support Daily Catholic Prayers, a private passion project, starting at $5.