Introduction
Novenas are a remarkable tradition in the Catholic Church, rich with history and meaning. A novena is a form of prayer that lasts for nine days, a duration that’s not chosen randomly but signifies something much deeper in the Christian faith. In a nutshell, a novena is a committed act of turning one’s heart to God in a structured way over a period of time, asking for His guidance, wisdom, and sometimes, specific intentions or favors. But there’s a lot more to unpack here, from its Biblical roots to how exactly one “works” a novena. Let’s dive in.
Biblical Roots of Novena
The Number Nine in the Bible
The number nine has a deep-rooted significance in the Christian faith, though the term “novena” itself isn’t explicitly mentioned in the Bible. The period of nine days has biblical origins that most significantly find their roots in the nine days that the Apostles and other followers of Jesus spent in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost. “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:14, ESV).
Pentecost and Novena
The nine days of prayer culminated in the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, which was a transformative moment for the early Church. Therefore, the tradition of praying novenas is seen as a way to spiritually prepare and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, just like the Apostles did.
What the Church Says About Novenas
A Form of Devotional Prayer
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer is “a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). While the Catechism doesn’t directly discuss novenas, it does discuss the importance of forms of prayer that include “vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer” (CCC 2720). Novenas can include all three forms.
Not a “Magic Formula”
It’s essential to note that the Church doesn’t view novenas as some sort of “magic formula” where if you pray for nine days, you are guaranteed to get what you ask for. Prayer is not about bending God’s will to ours, but aligning our will to God’s. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8, ESV).
How to Pray a Novena
Choose Your Intention
First, you decide on an intention for your novena. An intention is something specific you’d like to pray for. It could be personal, like asking God for healing for someone who is sick, or it could be more general, like praying for peace in the world.
Select a Prayer
There are numerous traditional novena prayers devoted to saints, the Holy Spirit, or specific needs. Some novenas are even dedicated to Jesus or Mary. Once you’ve chosen, you say that particular prayer every day for nine days.
Pray with Faith
The essence of a novena is not just repetition but faith-filled prayer. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, ESV).
Theological Opinions on Novenas
A Time for Reflection
Some theologians propose that the nine-day period is a good span for self-examination and spiritual preparation, akin to the nine days of prayer that led to Pentecost. However, this is more of a theological opinion and not a universal Church teaching.
The Communion of Saints
Others point out that novenas often invoking the intercession of saints are a beautiful expression of the Communion of Saints, a doctrine that suggests a fellowship between Christians both living and dead. Again, this isn’t a universal teaching on novenas but offers a richer understanding of the practice.
Common Questions About Novenas
Is it Superstitious?
No, praying a novena is not superstitious. However, it can become so if the focus shifts from seeking God’s will to attempting to manipulate outcomes.
Do Novenas Really Work?
If by “work” we mean, “Will I get what I want?”, the answer is maybe, maybe not. God hears every prayer, but answers in His own way and time. If by “work” we mean, “Is this a meaningful way to deepen my relationship with God?”, the answer is a resounding yes.
Conclusion
Novenas are a treasured form of devotional prayer in the Catholic Church. Rooted in the period of nine days of prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost, the novena serves as a structured yet flexible means of turning one’s heart and mind to God. Always remember, it’s not a magic trick to get what you want, but a way to draw nearer to God, aligning your will with His.
By understanding the novena within the broader framework of Christian prayer, as informed by the Catechism and the Bible, we can more fully appreciate its role in our spiritual lives. Amen.