A novena is a specific prayer recited for nine consecutive days for a particular intention. Novenas can be prayed at any time a special request arises. Novenas are especially prayed nine days prior to a feast day to which one has a favorite devotion, ending on the eve of the feast. Below are three novena prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, any of which can be prayed in May during the Month of Mary, in August during the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or prior to the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (the Saturday after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which occurs on the Friday after the feast of Corpus Christi).
NOVENA PRAYERS TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Glorious Virgin Mary, I long to love your Son, Jesus, the way he deserves to be loved—with the love of your Immaculate Heart. Unite me to your Immaculate Heart so that I will be open to receive your Son with the same dispositions by which you received him. Your Immaculate Heart is supremely gentle, steadfast, watchful—completely given over to the will of God. Lead me out of the darkness of ignorance, free me from all selfishness and willful self-assertion, and train me in conformity with your Immaculate Heart.
Let me always trust your Immaculate Heart as a true source of grace and mercy. In sharing in the Passion of your Son, your Immaculate Heart was pierced. May your immaculate love embrace me in moments of suffering. I beg to make reparation for all offenses against your Immaculate Heart as I offer you my intentions (mention your request). Amen.
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O Most Blessed Mother, Heart of Love, Heart of Mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus, your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially ... (mention your special intention).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever. Amen.
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O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially ... (mention your special intention).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever. Amen.
