Novenas are one of the Church’s most beloved devotional traditions—nine days of focused prayer offered with a specific intention or need. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or intercession for a loved one, novenas invite us into a deeper rhythm of trust and perseverance.
But novenas are more than just a “Catholic custom” or a last resort when we feel desperate. They teach us how to wait with God, how to return to Him daily with our desires and grow in hope—even when we don’t yet see the fruit.
What is a Novena?
The word novena comes from the Latin novem, meaning nine. A novena is a prayer or set of prayers repeated over nine consecutive days, often leading up to a feast day or in petition for a particular grace.
The first novena began with the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary as they prayed in the Upper Room after the Ascension—waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. That nine-day vigil has become the model for this devotion: a prayer of hopeful waiting rooted in trust.
Novenas can be prayed privately or with others, and they often center around a saint, a specific title of Christ or Mary, or a particular need (such as healing, discernment, or conversion). Some novenas are very structured, while others are more spontaneous or personal.
Why Should You Pray a Novena?
Novenas invite us to keep showing up. When we commit to praying for nine days, we enter into a rhythm of trust—choosing to believe, day after day, that God hears us and is at work, even when we can’t see it.
This kind of perseverance is deeply biblical. In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of the persistent widow who keeps returning to the judge, asking for justice. Her tenacity is honored. Likewise, when we pray a novena, we’re not trying to “convince” God or earn a result—we’re allowing our hearts to be shaped by fidelity, patience, and hope.
Novenas also reconnect us with the communion of saints. When we ask St. Joseph for protection, St. Thérèse for trust, or Our Lady Undoer of Knots for help with a difficult situation, we’re not just repeating words—we’re entering into relationship with holy men and women who intercede for us in heaven.
Join us in praying a novena as we prepare for Pentecost! Starting on May 30th, pray with us as we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts. Sign up here and start with Day One, led by Father Nathan Cromly, CSJ.
How to Pray a Novena
You don’t need to be an expert or have the perfect words. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a focus. Is there a particular intention in your heart? Are you drawn to a certain saint or feast day? Let that guide your choice of novena.
- Pick your prayer. You can find traditional novenas online or in prayer books. Some include daily reflections or Scripture passages; others are a single repeated prayer.
- Set a time and stick to it. The power of the novena lies in your commitment. Choose a time of day you can consistently keep—whether that’s first thing in the morning or right before bed.
- Bring your heart. Don’t rush through the words. Speak to the Lord. Let your intention remain in front of you. If the days get dry or distracting, keep going. Grace is often quiet.
- Close in trust. At the end of the nine days, surrender the outcome to God. Whether or not you receive what you asked for, He is working something good in your soul.
Carrying a special intention on your heart? Submit your prayer request here and allow the FOCUS community to lift you up in prayer.
Popular Novenas to Pray
Looking for a novena to pray? Here are a few beloved options to consider:
- Novena to the Holy Spirit – traditionally prayed between Ascension and Pentecost.
- St. Joseph Novena – for protection, provision, and fatherly intercession.
- Our Lady Undoer of Knots Novena – for help untangling difficult problems.
- Surrender Novena – for growing in trust and peace, one day at a time.
Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. The beauty of novenas is their simplicity and the way they keep calling us back—again and again—to prayer and hope.
Additional Resources
Need encouragement to persevere in prayer and hope? Read Monsignor James Shea’s reflection, Hope Is Rising—a powerful reminder that Christ is always at work, even in the waiting.
Feeling worn down on the journey? Take Courage and Pay the Price with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN is a powerful reflection on perseverance, sacrifice, and carrying your cross with Christ.
Dr. Edward Sri’s SEEK talk, The 4 Habits That Will Transform Your Life, unpacks the essential practices every missionary disciple needs to become a saint.
You can evangelize in everyday life! How to Share the Love You Receive with Carrie Wagner is an encouraging and relatable invitation to take the risk of sharing Christ with others.
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