Does God work miracles? We know he has. But do we believe he can come through for us, right now, today?
Asking God for a miracle is the subject of a fascinating new book: The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking for the Impossible by Anthony DeStefano.
Many books are about miracles, but this one is distinct. Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano explains in clear, practical, theologically sound language how to ask for a miracle in a way that alleviates stress and satisfies the soul.
He already shared with Aleteia readers how to get started asking for a miracle in 4 Steps to ask for a miracle (really!). But if you’re still curious, he also shared some other compelling stories and the inspiration behind his remarkable new book. Here is that conversation.
What inspired you to write The Miracle Book?
I think so many people out there are suffering badly — maybe some of the people reading now — but they don’t know how to go about asking God for help, other than begging Him. They beg, they plead, they bargain — but if God doesn’t respond as they hope, many lose faith or sink into despair.
I knew there had to be a method of praying for a miracle that guarantees the best possible chance of God saying yes to us, or at least results in God answering in a way that gives us peace and satisfies our souls. I spent years studying miracles and believe I’ve found that better way. This book explains what I discovered.
What would you say to someone who questions whether miracles are even possible?
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.
However — 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.
Do you have a favorite miracle story to share?
Yes, I have a friend named Fr. Brian, a priest in New Jersey for 40 years, and I call him “the miracle priest” because miracles seem to follow him around.
Years ago, Fr. Brian was asked to pray for a newborn baby critically ill with failing kidneys — on the verge of death. Around the same time, he visited a man in his parish who was terminally ill with cancer. Once a gentle man, he had become angry and abusive under the strain of his illness.
Fr. Brian told him about the dying baby and suggested he offer his suffering for the child. To his surprise, the man agreed and to his even greater surprise he immediately became peaceful again. He died soon afterwards, calm and resigned to God’s will.
Soon after the funeral, the baby’s mother called. Fr. Brian feared the worst, but instead he learned the child’s kidneys had begun to function and he was suddenly healthy. The doctors couldn’t explain it. The boy recovered and grew up strong and healthy.
This story shows so many paradoxes of faith: peace can come through pain, strength through weakness, life through death. It’s incredible what God can do when we pray.
Check out The Miracle Book for many more powerful stories and unforgettable advice.
