Have you ever hoped for a miracle? At some point, most of us have — whether related to health, finances, relationships, or some other serious situation.
An engrossing new book, The Miracle Book by Anthony DeStefano, reveals exactly what’s involved in asking for “the impossible.”
It’s a practical guide to asking God for a miracle.
Can we really ask for miracles?
You might think, “Stop right there. This book tells me how to ask for miracles? Doesn’t that sound gimmicky?”
If that’s your reaction — a natural one — the author is right there with you. DeStefano told Aleteia:
I understand the skepticism. I grew up a skeptical New Yorker. And as Catholics we’re called to be wary of anything that smells of magic, which is why I avoid superstitious formulas in this book.
God isn’t a vending machine. You don’t put in a request and a miracle pops out like a candy bar. That’s not how God works. He’s relational, not transactional.
At the same time, miracles are not a gimmick. As the Angel Gabriel said to Our Lady, “Nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37).
Countless people throughout history have experienced miracles. Perhaps you are one of them.
DeStefano explained:
It is a biblical fact that miracles are part of our faith. Jesus performed miracles and made bold promises about them. He said: “Ask and you shall receive.” And “Nothing will be impossible for you if you believe.” These are clear assurances that God can and will act in a miraculous manner.
The bottom line is that millions believe in miracles not out of foolishness or superstition, but because they have faith in Christ. When you read my book, you don’t need to check your brains at the door. But don’t slam the door shut either—give God a chance to surprise you.
The answer is yes. You can ask God for a miracle. God can do the impossible, so why not ask Him? Why not open your heart and see how God can amaze you?
4 steps to get started
You’ll want to read The Miracle Book to understand the full picture of all that’s involved in making “impossible” prayer requests.
But so as not to leave you hanging, here are DeStefano’s four beginning steps to ask for a miracle right now.
1Begin with faith
The first step is sincere trust in God. DeStefano said:
Whenever you’re experiencing anxiety, you’ve got to take a breath and try to be calm. As the Psalms say, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Don’t feel faith — think faith. We all know that faith is the most important biblical requirement for a miracle.
But instead of getting all worked up, emotionally, make a decisive act of the will to trust God. Even if you’re anxious and in emotional turmoil, just say with St. Faustina: “Jesus, I trust in You.”
2Repent of sins
A miracle is closely connected to a change of heart in many biblical and saint stories:
Make a definitive decision to be sorry for all the sins you’ve ever committed and resolve to become a holier person. In the Bible Jesus used miracles to turn sinners around. So, if you need a miracle, make a real effort to clear the decks, spiritually.
Ask God’s forgiveness. Be willing to change. That’s what God wants most. So, do it.
3Radically surrender to God’s will
One of the hardest things about being a Christian is learning the lesson (over and over again!) that God’s will is best, even if it’s not our will. Yet radical trust is the secret to peace. DeStefano said:
Be radically open to God’s will. Tell Him exactly what you want—but then, echo the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
4Seek God’s glory
Does our prayer request build up God’s kingdom? Why do we even want a miracle? DeStefano said:
When you pray for your specific miracle intention, be sure to pray for God’s greater glory too. In other words, ask God to use your miracle to deepen the faith of the people around you.
When you seek God’s glory in your prayers, you acknowledge that your request isn’t solely about fulfilling selfish desires but about spreading faith in God to everyone. And this reflects not only a humble disposition but a mature faith, one more worthy and deserving of a miracle.
A miracle is not a thing to take lightly, and certainly not something that can ever be guaranteed. But God has worked impossible miracles before, and he can and will again. If you’re asking God for a miracle, these four steps are a great place to start, and don’t miss much more helpful wisdom in The Miracle Book.
