St. Benedict Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
For spiritual protection, deliverance from evil, and strength against temptation
St. Benedict of Nursia, father of Western monasticism, is invoked for protection against evil. The St. Benedict Medal is widely used by Catholics for the same purpose. This novena asks for spiritual protection, deliverance from temptation and steadiness in daily life. His feast is July 11. The Rule of Benedict still shapes monasteries, and the medal bearing his cross is among the most common sacramentals. Treat the novena as a way to steady your day: prayer, work and rest in balance, with temptation held at a distance.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (July 11) 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
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlaySt. Benedict Novena – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Protection Against Evil and Spiritual Harm
Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, vessel of God's grace, I humbly seek your powerful intercession. You were a man of prayer and work who founded the great monastic tradition that brought light to a dark age.
Gracious and holy Father St. Benedict, whose admirable life the grace of God has set before us as a model and guide, help me to follow your example. Assist me by your powerful intercession, that I may trample underfoot the temptations of the Evil One, and that God may drive far from me all the powers of darkness.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
Holy Father St. Benedict, I beg you to obtain for me the grace to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever obedient to His holy will, and to attain the happiness of heaven.
The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict:
The Cross of Christ be my light.
Let not the dragon be my guide.
Begone, Satan! Never suggest vain things to me.
The cup you offer me is evil; drink your own poison.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
St. Benedict, pray for us.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Prayer · Founder of Western Monasticism, includes the Medal of St. Benedict prayer
More novenas
- St. Jude Novena
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
- St. Joseph Novena
- St. Therese Novena
- St. Anthony of Padua Novena
- St. Rita Novena
Frequently asked questions
When should I start the St. Benedict Novena?
Begin on July 2 so the ninth day is July 10, the eve of his feast on July 11. It may also be prayed in times of temptation.
How do I pray the St. Benedict Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day. Many people hold their St. Benedict medal as they pray.
Who is the St. Benedict Novena for?
It is for anyone seeking protection from evil, including families, students and those struggling with addiction or temptation.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play