Lenten Novena – 9 Days of Prayer

A novena of prayer and reflection for the holy season of Lent — preparing the heart for Easter

The Lenten Novena is a nine-day prayer of fasting and conversion for the holy season of Lent. It prepares the heart for Easter and can be prayed at any point during the forty days. It suits those who want a small, structured practice rather than a heavy programme. Pair it with almsgiving and fasting for a fuller Lent. It is not tied to a particular week, so you can repeat it two or three times during Lent, each time with a new intention. The prayers move from sorrow for sin to confidence in mercy, which mirrors the season. Keep it short, keep it daily.

The Season of Lent9 daysfeast

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. You can begin this novena on any day.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

Lenten Novena – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Conversion of Heart, Repentance, and a Holy Easter

Lord Jesus, You spent forty days in the desert, fasting and praying, before beginning Your public ministry. You were tempted in every way as we are, yet You did not sin. In this holy season, draw me into the desert with You.

Lord Jesus, I enter this Lenten season not merely to observe a religious custom, but to encounter You — the One who went to the Cross for love of me.

I take up the ancient practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving not as ends in themselves, but as doors through which I enter more deeply into Your Passion. Where I am attached to comfort, I offer fasting. Where I am distracted, I offer prayer. Where I am selfish with my resources, I offer almsgiving.

(Pause here to mention your intentions)

Lord, do not let this Lent pass without conversion — real conversion, not just the performance of it. Change what needs to change in me. Break what needs to be broken. Heal what is sick, purify what is impure, and set free what is enslaved.

I want to arrive at Easter truly alive — not just marking another year's end of Lent, but rising with You from the tomb.

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

Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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

Traditional Catholic Penitential Prayer · For use during Lent — the 40-day season of preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday

More novenas

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the Lenten Novena?

Begin on Ash Wednesday or any day in Lent. It can also be repeated.

How do I pray the Lenten Novena?

Pray the daily prayer once a day and pair it with a small penance.

Who is the Lenten Novena for?

It is for anyone who wants to keep Lent more deliberately.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play