About this novena
This is an original nine-day devotional adaptation written for Prayers & Reflections, not an official liturgical text or a reproduction of a particular shrine’s novena. Each day offers a distinct intention and a practical response of faith. Novenas invite persevering prayer and do not guarantee a particular result.
The guided companion follows the St. Vincent novena’s six sections. The nine-day Scripture cycle follows the St. Vincent companion. Scripture, reflection, intentions and thanksgiving are companion additions; the devotional prayer text is preserved. Scripture readings use the public-domain Douay-Rheims Bible. Added community prayers and reflections are original devotional texts.
Prayer text
Read the full nine-day novena text
How to pray this novena
Pray the opening prayer, the prayer for the appropriate day, and the closing prayer on each of nine days. Name your intention in silence. These original devotional prayers may be prayed individually or together.
Opening prayer
God of mercy, gather us in your presence as we begin this novena. We bring you our intention, our gratitude, and the needs of those who cannot find words to pray. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Open our hearts to simplicity, peace, and care for creation. Help us to receive your answer with trust and to put our faith into action. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 1 · The Gospel
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Ask Jesus to make his words living guidance rather than ideas we admire from a distance. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Help us put one teaching into practice with a willing heart. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 2 · Simplicity
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Pray for freedom from the constant desire to possess more than we need. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Teach us to share something useful and discover gratitude for what is enough. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 3 · The poor
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Bring before Christ people whose poverty exposes them to contempt or neglect. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Help us offer practical solidarity while recognizing their wisdom, freedom, and dignity. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 4 · Peace
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Intercede where conflict has made neighbours see one another only as enemies. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Teach us to listen carefully and take a small, honest step toward reconciliation. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 5 · Creation
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Ask God to deepen our wonder at the world and our responsibility for its care. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Move us to reduce waste and protect the places on which others depend. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 6 · Joy
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Pray for those whose daily burdens have narrowed their attention to worry alone. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Help us receive a simple gift of beauty and share encouragement with another person. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 7 · Humility
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Ask Christ to free us from the desire to control how others see our goodness. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Teach us to serve without display and admit when we need help. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 8 · Compassion
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Remember people and creatures suffering through cruelty, indifference, or careless use of power. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Help us respond within our responsibilities with gentleness and practical care. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Day 9 · A life of praise
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Bring our intention before God and teach us gratitude in both abundance and difficulty. We place before God the intention we carry through these nine days, remembering also those whose burdens are hidden from us. Help us continue a concrete practice of peace, simplicity, and generous service. Give us patience when answers come slowly and courage to follow Christ in the ordinary duties of today. May our prayer bear fruit in faithful love. Amen.
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, receive the prayers we have offered today. Let simplicity, peace, and care for creation take root in our daily choices. Give help to those in distress, wisdom to those who care for them, and hope to those who feel forgotten. We entrust our intention to your loving providence without demanding a particular outcome. Keep us faithful to Jesus and generous toward our neighbour. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.