Novena to the Sacred Heart

A bit of context

A novena is simply nine days of prayer for one intention. The word comes from the Latin for nine, and the practice goes back to the nine days the apostles and Mary spent praying together before Pentecost.

A novena is not about wearing God down, it is about staying, because it teaches us to keep knocking, to bring the same need back to Him day after day, and to trust that He hears. People often make this novena in the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Sacred Heart, but you can begin any time you have something to carry to Him.

Pick your intention before you start, just one thing, and then bring it to His Heart for nine days running.

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Let's Pray

Each day, for nine days, do the same simple thing. It only takes a few minutes.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, and quiet yourself for a moment.

2. Pray the daily prayer to the Sacred Heart.

O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, and pure, and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger, comfort me in my afflictions, and give me Your blessing on all that I do. Amen.

3. Bring your intention. 

Now, in your own words, ask Him for the one thing you are praying for, and be honest and specific, because He is not put off by your need.

4. Listen for a moment. 

Sit in silence. You do not have to fill it. Let Him love you.

5. Close with the prayer of trust, three times:

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.

6. Come back tomorrow. 

The returning is the prayer, because nine days of showing up is its own quiet act of faith, so keep going, even on the days you feel nothing.