St. John of the Cross Novena
Catholic novena
St. John of the Cross Novena
Pray this nine-day Catholic novena through the intercession of St. John of the Cross for mystical prayer, suffering, union with God.
About the St. John of the Cross Novena
St. John of the Cross, Carmelite priest and Doctor of the Church, taught the path of purification and union with God through works such as The Dark Night and The Spiritual Canticle. This novena asks for patience in darkness, purified love, and contemplative faith.
When to pray this novena
This novena may be prayed at any time, especially for mystical prayer, suffering, union with God. Many Catholics begin a novena nine days before a feast day, during a period of discernment, or when a particular need calls for patient, persevering prayer.
Common intentions
- Mystical prayer
- Suffering
- Union with God
How to pray the St. John of the Cross Novena
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
- Pray the opening prayer and the daily prayer for the appropriate day.
- Name your intention simply before God.
- Conclude with the closing prayer, an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be.
- Repeat for nine days, trusting God’s will and timing.
Opening Prayer
O God, source of every grace, I come before You with trust and humility. Through the intercession of St. John of the Cross, help me pray this novena with faith, repentance, patience, and love. Receive the intention I carry, purify it according to Your holy will, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ.
Day 1: Faith
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me faith, especially in matters of mystical prayer. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 2: Trust
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me trust, especially in matters of suffering. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 3: Conversion
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me conversion, especially in matters of union with God. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 4: Perseverance
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me perseverance, especially in matters of mystical prayer. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 5: Healing
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me healing, especially in matters of suffering. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 6: Courage
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me courage, especially in matters of union with God. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 7: Charity
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me charity, especially in matters of mystical prayer. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 8: Peace
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me peace, especially in matters of suffering. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Day 9: Thanksgiving
St. John of the Cross, join your prayers to mine on this day of the novena. Ask the Lord to give me thanksgiving, especially in matters of union with God. Help me respond to grace with humility, courage, and charity, and lead me closer to Jesus Christ in the sacraments, prayer, and daily fidelity.
Closing Prayer
St. John of the Cross, pray for me before God. Ask the Lord to strengthen my faith, guide my choices, protect me from sin, and grant the grace most needed in this intention. May this novena lead me not only to the help I seek, but to deeper love for Christ and His Church. Amen.
Submit a prayer request
If you are praying this novena for a personal intention, you may also submit a private prayer request.
Related saint profile
Learn more about St. John of the Cross and the saint’s life, patronage, and devotion.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the St. John of the Cross Novena?
A novena is traditionally prayed for nine days. You may begin on any day, though many Catholics pray a novena during the nine days leading to a feast.
What intentions can I bring to this novena?
This novena is especially suited for mystical prayer, suffering, union with God, but any honest need may be brought before God with humility and trust.
Does praying a novena guarantee the exact result I ask for?
No. A novena is not magic. It is persevering prayer that entrusts a real need to God while asking for grace, conversion, patience, and help according to His will.