Novena for Strength in Difficult Times – 9 Days of Prayer

For those enduring hardship, crisis, loss, or overwhelming circumstances

The Novena for Strength in Difficult Times is a prayer for the weeks when life asks more than you have. Loss, crisis, illness, a hard job or a hard season can leave you tired of being strong. This novena puts your endurance in God's hands for nine days and asks for perseverance rather than easy answers. It follows the pattern of the Psalms, which complain honestly and still trust. Pray it in the evening, when the day's burdens are heaviest, or in the morning before the first task.

9 daysintention

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

Novena for Strength in Difficult Times – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Strength, Courage, and Perseverance in Times of Trial

Heavenly Father, You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us. In this time of difficulty, I turn to You as my rock and my fortress. Strengthen me, Lord, for I cannot endure this on my own.

Lord God, I am going through a difficult season and I feel weak. The burden is heavy and the road is long. But I know that Your grace is sufficient for me, and that Your power is made perfect in weakness.

Grant me the strength to face each day with courage. Help me to keep going when I want to give up. When I am tempted to despair, remind me of Your faithfulness. When I cannot see the way forward, be my light.

I believe that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. Even in this trial, You are at work. Help me to endure with faith and to come through this season stronger and closer to You.

(Pause here to mention your intentions)

Lord, I place my trust in You. I may not understand why this is happening, but I believe that You are with me. Hold me up when I stumble, carry me when I cannot walk, and bring me through this storm into the peace and joy that await on the other side.

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

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

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

Catholic Devotional Prayer · Inspired by Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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Frequently asked questions

When should I start the Novena for Strength in Difficult Times?

Begin as soon as you feel overwhelmed. It has no feast date, so you do not need to wait.

How do I pray the Novena for Strength in Difficult Times?

Pray the daily prayer once a day for nine days, naming the burden you carry, and give thanks for one small help.

Who is the Novena for Strength in Difficult Times for?

It is for anyone enduring hardship, grief, crisis or exhaustion, and for those who sit beside them.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play