“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful..” — Colossians 4:2
What Is a Novena?
A novena is a beautiful Catholic tradition of prayer lasting nine consecutive days. The word novena comes from the Latin novem, meaning “nine.” It reflects the nine days the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Apostles spent in prayer between Jesus’ Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost — the very first novena!
Novenas are prayed for special intentions: healing, strength, guidance, intercession of a saint, or simply to grow closer to God.
What was the first novena?
The first novena of the church was held by the Apostles and disciples who with Our Blessed Lady awaited the coming of the Holy Ghost after the Ascension. Following the example of the Apostles, the faithful make novenas directly to God or to Him through one of the saints, to obtain spiritual or temporal favors.
Why Pray a Novena?
- To ask for the intercession of a specific saint (like St. Jude or Our Lady of Lourdes).
- To prepare your heart before a feast day or sacrament.
- To entrust a special intention to God with persistence and faith.
Novenas help us slow down, pray intentionally, and build a rhythm of spiritual discipline.
How to Pray a Novena
1. Choose a Novena
Pick one based on your spiritual need or devotion — like the Divine Mercy Novena, the Sacred Heart Novena, or a Novena to your patron saint.
2. Set Your Intention
Before you begin, decide what you’re praying for. It can be for someone else, yourself, the world, or even a thanksgiving to God.
“Lord, I offer this novena for healing in my family.”
3. Pray Daily for Nine Days
Each day, pray the specific novena prayer. Many also include:
- Our Father
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
4. Be Consistent
Try to pray at the same time each day to build a habit. Set a reminder or light a candle to mark your sacred time.
5. Trust in God’s Will
Remember, a novena isn’t a magic formula. God always hears your prayers — sometimes with a yes, sometimes with something even better. What matters most is your faith and love.
What If I Miss a Day?
Don’t worry — life happens. Missing a day doesn’t mean your novena is ruined.
You have a few options:
- Pray the missed day as soon as you remember, then continue the rest of the novena on schedule.
- Or, double up the next day and pray two days’ worth together.
- If needed, you can extend your novena by a day to complete all nine days.
What’s important is your intention and your effort to return to prayer. God sees your heart. He is merciful, and our Blessed Mother is patient with us as we grow in devotion.
“God is not waiting to catch you in failure. He is drawing you into a deeper relationship through your persistence.”
Ready to begin your novena? Click below to find the perfect prayer to start today.”
Mother of Perpetual Help Novena Prayers
Our Lady of Good Health Novena Prayer
Novena to the Precious Blood of Jesus
Leave us your prayers…