St. John the Baptist Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
Novena to the Prophet who prepared the way — the voice crying in the wilderness, the last and greatest of the prophets
St. John the Baptist is the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and pointing to the Lamb of God. This novena honours the Church's tradition of celebrating his birth on June 24, six months before Christmas. It asks for a repentant heart and for courage to speak the truth. He is a patron of those who prepare the way for others, including catechists and parents. Apart from Mary, he is the only saint whose birth the liturgy celebrates. Praying it in midsummer, when days are longest, reminds us that he said, He must increase, I must decrease.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (June 24) 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. John the Baptist Novena – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For the Grace of Witness and Repentance
St. John the Baptist, the angel announced your birth to your father Zechariah with these words: 'He will be great in the sight of the Lord.' You leapt in your mother's womb at the presence of the unborn Christ. From the womb you were consecrated. You grew and became strong in spirit, and you lived in the desert until the day of your public appearance to Israel.
St. John the Baptist, you were the voice crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. You wore camel's hair and lived on locusts and wild honey. You were not the light — you came to testify to the Light. And when the One who came after you arrived, you pointed to Him and said: 'Behold the Lamb of God.'
You baptized for repentance, plunging thousands into the Jordan, calling them to turn back to God. When your disciples left to follow Jesus, you said: 'He must increase; I must decrease.' These are among the most profound words ever spoken by a human being.
You died in a prison cell, beheaded because you told the truth to a king who did not want to hear it. Jesus called you the greatest born of women.
I come to you now, asking for your intercession.
(Pause to mention your intentions)
St. John the Baptist, teach me to point away from myself and toward Christ. Give me the courage to speak truth even when it is inconvenient. Help me to decrease so that He may increase in my life. Prepare the way of the Lord in my own heart.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: June 24. One of only three birthdays celebrated in the liturgical calendar
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. John the Baptist Novena?
Begin on June 15 to end on June 23, the eve of his birthday on June 24.
How do I pray the St. John the Baptist Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day, and spend a moment in examination of conscience.
Who is the St. John the Baptist Novena for?
It is for catechists, parents, penitents and anyone preparing for baptism.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play