Novena for the Conversion of Saint Paul – 9 Days of Prayer

Novena commemorating the dramatic transformation of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus — for those seeking conversion, second chances, and the grace to change

The Conversion of St. Paul recalls the moment Saul, a persecutor, was struck down on the road to Damascus and became an apostle. It is celebrated on January 25. This novena prays for the conversion of hearts and for those who feel beyond saving. Paul's story shows that no one is too far. It closes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, so many people pray it for unity among Christians. Pray it for yourself too, if some part of your heart still resists the Lord. Conversion is a daily step, not a single event.

Conversion of Saint Paul · January 259 daysfeast

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (January 25) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

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Novena for the Conversion of Saint Paul – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Those Seeking Conversion, a Change of Heart, and the Courage to Start Again

Saul of Tarsus was a zealous man who was absolutely certain he was doing God's will — by hunting down and imprisoning Christians. He had approved of the stoning of Stephen. He was on his way to Damascus to arrest more of them when a light knocked him from his horse and a voice said: 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'

'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked.

'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.'

Saul was blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. He prayed in darkness. Then Ananias came and said: 'Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me so that you may regain your sight.' Scales fell from his eyes. He was baptized. He became Paul.

He wrote the letters that still shape Christian theology. He planted churches across Asia Minor and Greece. He was eventually martyred in Rome.

Saint Paul, you are proof that no one is too far gone. You were not just indifferent to Christianity — you were actively destroying it. And God chose you to preach it to the world.

I am not asking for a lightning bolt. I am asking for the willingness to be stopped — to hear a voice I have been ignoring, to let a light illuminate something I have been avoiding.

(Pause to mention your intentions)

For anyone who feels too far gone for grace — show them that your story is in Scripture. For anyone who needs the courage to change direction — give them your example. For anyone who is waiting for conversion in someone they love — give them your patience and your prayer.

Saint Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, pray for us.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...

Saint Paul, pray for us.

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: January 25. Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians when he was struck down by a blinding light. He heard the voice of Jesus: 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' He was blind for three days, then baptized by Ananias. He became Paul, greatest missionary of the early Church.

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Frequently asked questions

When should I start the Novena for the Conversion of Saint Paul?

Begin on January 16 to end on January 24, the eve of the feast on January 25, which closes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

How do I pray the Novena for the Conversion of Saint Paul?

Pray the daily prayer once a day, naming someone who needs conversion.

Who is the Novena for the Conversion of Saint Paul for?

It is for converts, sinners and families praying for someone to return to faith.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play