Novenas: The Nine-Day Prayers for Every Intention and Need

What is a novena?

A novena is a nine-day prayer (derived from the Latin novum, meaning 'nine'). Sometimes they are tied to a feast day or liturgical celebration; the Novena to the Holy Ghost is said the nine days leading up to Pentecost, starting on the Friday after the Ascension. But often, people will say novenas privately at any time when praying for a special petition, such as to St. Joseph the Worker when searching for employment or St. Peregrine when battling cancer.

Where does the practice come from?

The biblical basis for novenas actually comes from the inspiration for the Novena to the Holy Ghost! Scripture tells us that in between the Ascension and Pentecost, Mary and the apostles stayed hidden away for nine days, praying for the descent of the Holy Spirit. Early Christians would pray for a deceased soul for nine days, imitating both the apostles and contemporary Roman practice. By the Middle Ages, novenas for all sorts of different petitions were being encouraged and prayed. 

What are some of your favorite novenas?

Amazing Grace Books and Gifts has a wide array of novena guides and booklets, ranging from some of the most ancient prayers to newer devotions. Take a look below at some of our favorites!

Pocket Guide to Novenas

Novenas have been with the Church from her earliest days as a way for Catholics to grow closer to Christ and connect with their faith in a more meaningful way. Prayed for 9 consecutive days, normally for a specific intention, this form of prayer is a great way to become more persistent in prayer and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Featuring 20 powerful novenas, the Pocket Guide to Novenas offers a guide to prayer that will help readers understand where novenas come from, how to pray them, and what to expect when praying them.

Novena to the Holy Ghost 

This famous novena guides the Catholic day by day in obtaining an increase of the priceless seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost. In seven different ways these Gifts make the Christian soul responsive to the daily inspirations of the Holy Spirit, leading him to a profound respect for the things of God (Fear), to joy in God s service (Piety), to realization of the nothingness of this earth (Knowledge), to supernatural courage (Fortitude), to sure direction in spiritual decisions (Counsel), to penetration of the truths of the Catholic Faith (Understanding), and to a relish for the things of Heaven (Wisdom). Novena to the Holy Ghost makes it easy to approach the Holy Ghost to receive the abundant Gifts that He desires to lavish on souls.

Surrender Novena

The Surrender Novena was given to Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo, a friend and spiritual adviser to Padre Pio, by Jesus in an apparition. Fr. Ruotolo himself suffered greatly, and this novena was given to him in order to surrender to God's will and to meet Jesus in His pain and agony. When praying the Surrender novena, we ask Jesus to take care of everything. This novena has brought countless graces and great comfort to those who have prayed it. 

Divine Mercy Novena

The Divine Mercy Novena, given to St. Faustina by Jesus in a series of apparitions, is meant to be said every year starting on Good Friday and leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday; however, it can be said at any time. The novena prayer is said for a different group of people each day (all mankind, the souls of priests and religious, etc.) and is followed by a Chaplet of Divine Mercy. It is a beautiful set of prayers, meant to set hearts afire with love of God and His mercy.

St. Michael Novena 

Now is the time for Catholics everywhere to consecrate themselves to the angel who stood, millennia ago, against Satan and vanquished him to the deepest region of Hell. Take up this ancient devotion to our most powerful angelic defender.

This little book aggregates the history of devotions, including the powerful novena to St. Michael, that have been offered to St. Michael and presents them once again to be used and spread throughout the world.

Sacred Heart Novena 

Traditionally said for the nine days leading up to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the Sacred Heart Novena can be said at any time; it was one of Padre Pio's favorite prayers, and he said it every day! It was given to us by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and is prayed to deepen our love of Jesus's Sacred Heart, to whom we can turn in our most desperate hours with trust.

Various Saint Novenas

Turn to one of your favorite saints for intercession for particular needs -  St. Peregrine for cancer, St. Dymphna for mental health, and more!