Novena Prayers: What They Are and How to Pray Them

In Catholic tradition, one of the most cherished forms of devotion is the novena. For centuries, Catholics have turned to novena prayers as a way to deepen faith, ask for God’s help, and honor the saints.

But what exactly is a novena, and how do Catholics pray one?

What Is a Novena?

The word novena comes from the Latin word for “nine.” A novena is a series of prayers said for nine consecutive days, usually for a specific intention or need.

Novenas are rooted in Scripture and tradition. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary prayed together for nine days until the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14). This moment inspired the Church’s devotion to nine-day prayers.

Why Catholics Pray Novenas

Catholics pray novenas for many reasons:

• To ask for God’s help in times of need

• To honor Mary or the saints

• To prepare for major feasts and holy days

• To pray for healing, guidance, or strength

• To grow closer to God through focused devotion

How to Pray a Novena

Praying a novena is simple and meaningful:

1. Choose your novena. This may be to Jesus, Mary, or a particular saint.

2. Set your intention. Pray for a specific need, person, or grace.

3. Pray daily for nine days. Some novenas are short prayers, others include litanies or meditations.

4. Stay faithful. Try to pray at the same time each day to build devotion.

5. End with trust. Offer your prayer to God’s will, knowing He always answers with love.

Examples of Popular Catholic Novenas

• Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

• Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots

• Novena to St. Joseph

• Novena to St. Jude (patron of hopeless cases)

• Novena to the Holy Spirit (the original novena before Pentecost)

Tips for Praying Novenas Faithfully

• Write your intention in a journal to keep focus.

• Pray with family or friends for encouragement.

• Set a reminder on your phone or mark it in a calendar.

• Combine it with other devotions, like the Rosary, for a deeper prayer experience.

Final Thoughts

Novenas are a beautiful way to invite God into daily life with faith and persistence. Whether asking for healing, guidance, or strength, a novena reminds Catholics of the power of prayer and the communion of saints.

By praying novenas, the faithful learn to wait patiently and trust in God’s perfect timing—just as the Apostles did before Pentecost.