Today is the first day of the annual pro-life novena, 9 Days for Life. During these nine days, Catholics nationwide will pray for the respect of all human life using this novena written and provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
What is a novena?
A novena is simply a prayer that extends over the course of nine days.Typically, we pray them with some particular intention in mind and begin them so that the ninth day aligns with a significant occasion or the eve of a feast day. You may already know about some of the more popular novenas like those for the Holy Spirit, Divine Mercy, St. Thérèse, St. Joseph, etc.
Novenas are great because they help us focus on a particular prayer intention, stay in tune with the liturgical year and develop a habit of daily prayer. Novenas also deepen our engagement with the feast or occasion on which the novena concludes. Plus, they unite our prayer with the prayers of everyone else praying the novena!
A Fitting Prayer for Life
Historically, one of the most popular novenas in the treasury of the Church was the Christmas novena prayed during the nine days leading up to Christmas. It’s not hard to see the connection between these nine days of prayer and the nine months that the infant Jesus spent growing in Mary’s womb. Through this lens, the novena always is, in some way, a prayer about life. About a mother’s “yes” to an unexpected pregnancy. About trusting in God’s providence. And about the Love of God growing and taking on flesh in our world and in our very selves.
How to Pray the 9 Days for Life Novena
There are numerous ways to access the 9 Days for Life novena including a free mobile app, printable downloads or daily emails and text messages. All of them are free. You can find out more information on the novena at 9DaysForLife.com or you can download a pdf version of the novena through the links below.
9 Days for Life Novena in English
9 Días por la Vida en Español
