NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART
“Nove” – Latin for “nine”. A “Novena” is a simple prayerful activity for a special intention, spread over nine days. It originates from the length of time that Mary the Mother of Jesus and the eleven remaining disciples spent praying together in the Upper Room from the Ascension, waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them at Pentecost. They were a fragile group, worried for the present but hopeful for the future, like we are at this time.
“The Sacred Heart” is probably the most “Evangelical” Catholic devotion, acknowledging the great love Christ has for each of us, with a Heart bursting with compassion.
Let us make time in our daily schedule to have a few quiet moments with the Lord who loves us to bits.
While you’re there, think of anything or anybody in particular you would like to bring to the Lord’s loving presence.
THE WORD FROM JESUS “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
‘“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”’ Mark 10:51
REFLECTION FOR THE FIRST DAY Jesus asks the same question of you at the beginning of this novena - ‘What do you want me to do for you?’
St. Augustine said that all our desires are really a longing for God in disguise; where there is desire, there is prayer. So, be at peace in your desire, you are already praying!
CONVERSATION requires talking and listening. As I talk to Jesus may I also learn to be still and listen. I picture the gentleness in His eyes and the smile full of love as he gazes on me. I can be totally honest with Jesus as I tell Him of my worries and my cares. I will open up my heart to Him as I tell Him of my fears and my doubts. I will ask Him to help me to place myself fully in His care, to abandon myself to Him, knowing that He always wants what is best for me.
TODAY’S PRAYER Lord, I come to you at the start of this novena with a muddle of desires. Give me courage, to listen to what you want to say to me about these desires and give me the strength to accept your loving desires for me and for my loved ones.
NOVENA PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You care for us when we are lost, sympathize with us in loneliness, and comfort us in mourning;
You are closest to us where we are weakest.
You love us most when we love ourselves least;
You forgive us most when we forgive ourselves least;
and You call us to spread Your love in whatever way we can.
Lord Jesus, Your Heart is moved with compassion when we are suffering,
when we need your help, and when we pray for each other.
I ask You to hear my prayer for (Mention your intention)
and to grant what is best.
DAILY INVOCATION Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you; I bring my desire into Your loving Presence.
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