Novenas

What is a Novena?

A novena is a nine-day prayer that you typically say to a specific saint for a special intention. Some novenas are said in one day, or over nine months, but typically you repeat them over nine consecutive days. Some people add on extra practices like fasting or acts of service to deepen their novena experience!

 

Why is a Novena Prayed for Nine Days?

The practice of praying a novena for nine days goes far back in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In the Bible, the number nine is associated with suffering, purification, and new beginnings. One of the first novenas was when Mary and the disciples waited and prayed for the Holy Spirit for nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost. When you pray a novena, you’re entering into a long and powerful tradition of praying for nine days!

 

The History of Novenas

We don’t know the full story behind the origin of novenas, but they were most likely popularized during the Middle Ages as a way to express devotion to saints. Novenas became a more formal prayer in the 17th century with the publication of prayer books that contained specific novenas for various intentions.

 

How to Pray a Novena

Praying a novena is especially powerful when you have an important intention. Here are some tips for how to pray a novena:

1. Pick an intention for your novena, then find one that will help focus your prayer on that intention. You can find some examples further down.

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3. Set aside a specific time each day to pray the novena. It’s helpful to set a reminder on your phone or add it to your calendar ahead of time!

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5. Each day, find a quiet place to pray where you will not be disturbed.

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7. Follow the specific instructions for the novena you are praying, whether it involves reciting a set of prayers or meditating on a particular scripture passage.

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9. Repeat for nine days!