Introduction
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10, RSV).
The above scripture line from the Gospel of Matthew clearly brings to light the Christian teaching about guardian angels. These celestial beings have been given a mission by God: to accompany us, guide us, and protect us. Throughout the ages, countless people have turned to their guardian angels for guidance and protection. One common way to cultivate this relationship is through a powerful novena to your guardian angel.
What is a Novena?
Before diving into the subject of a powerful novena to your guardian angel, it’s essential to understand what a novena is. Novena comes from the Latin word “novenus,” which means “nine.” It is a form of Christian prayer that is said over nine consecutive days or weeks. The purpose is often to ask for divine intercession or to express deep devotion.
The Role of Guardian Angels According to the Catholic Church
“Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life” (St. Basil the Great, as referenced in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 336). This is not just a poetic saying; it’s a universal teaching of the Catholic Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’ Already here on earth, the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (CCC, 336).
This teaching helps us to understand that the role of guardian angels is an essential part of our faith journey. They are not merely ethereal concepts or symbols but real beings with a mission to guide us.
The Importance of Prayer to Guardian Angels
The Catechism also says, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC, 2559). By directing our prayers to our guardian angels, we acknowledge their role and seek their guidance and protection.
The Structure of the Novena to the Guardian Angel
While there’s no one “official” novena to your guardian angel recognized by the Church, there are many variations that devout Catholics have used throughout the years. The most important thing is to set aside a dedicated time for nine consecutive days to pray and to ask for your guardian angel’s intercession.
You can create a structure that includes:
- Sign of the Cross: Begin and end each day with the sign of the cross.
- Daily Scripture Reading: Incorporate a daily reading that speaks to the role of angels.
- Specific Requests: Outline what you are asking your guardian angel to help you with.
- Concluding Prayer: Many like to conclude with the traditional prayer to the Guardian Angel: “Angel of God, my guardian dear…”
Sample Novena Day
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
Daily Reading: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11, RSV).
Specific Request: Dear Guardian Angel, please guide me in making the right decision about my career.
Concluding Prayer to the Guardian Angel.
End with the Sign of the Cross.
Theology and Novenas
It’s worth mentioning that the act of praying a novena, including one to a guardian angel, is a form of private devotion. While the Church encourages the faithful to engage in various forms of prayer and devotion, the efficacy of a novena is a subject of theological opinion rather than a defined doctrine.
Conclusion
The practice of praying a novena to your guardian angel can be a spiritually enriching experience that aligns well with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Remember, these celestial guardians are a gift from God, intended to guide us on our earthly journey. Cultivating a relationship with your guardian angel through a novena can be a beautiful way to grow in faith and feel the comfort of divine protection.