For it is God who guides, directs, leads, and orders everything.
Thus we wish to continue, in childlike simplicity and in faith
to pray and to work.
(Bl. Peter Friedhofen, Letter 16.8)
The Use of Novenas
Novenas have been known since the seventeenth century. They were, and are today, often prayed before major festivals, but also before important events or in danger or need. As Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, prayed with the disciples before Pentecost, so should we also from time to time pause, reflect, and then carry our concerns to God.
A novena is one among other worship forms and comprises nine days. For each day we center on a particular thought.
We begin the novena on the evening or on the morning of each day and begin by praying the preparatory prayer for each day. This is to center our thoughts and bring peace. Other prayers can be chosen. Then we read the texts for each day. Each day has a particular theme. A text from the Bible, a saying of the Blessed Peter Friedhofen, and a thought for the appropriate day are supposed to invite meditation and reflection. Another help are the impulse questions. A prayer closes each day.
If you would like, you can receive each day a text by E-mail for the next nine days. Choose a preparatory prayer from the following list and fill out your E-mail address.
Your E-mail address will only be kept for this time period and then automatically erased. You can also stop this offer at any time.
The Brothers of Mercy wish you a reflective time of prayer