Novena for Protection: What It Is and How to Pray One

A novena is a tradition of prayer repeated over nine consecutive days, usually for a particular intention. It is especially common in the Catholic Church, though Christians from other traditions also use it.

Many people pray a novena for protection when they are worried about their safety, their family, a journey or a difficult season of life.

Where the novena comes from

The word novena comes from the Latin for nine. The custom is often linked with Acts 1 and 2, where the followers of Jesus gathered in prayer in the days between the Ascension and Pentecost.

Over the centuries, novenas developed for many saints and feasts. They are not a magic formula. They are a way of praying persistently and with focus, in the spirit of Luke 18:1, where Jesus encourages his followers to keep praying and not give up.

Who people ask for protection

A protection novena can be addressed to God directly, or can ask for the prayers of a saint or angel. Common choices include Saint Michael the Archangel, traditionally seen as a defender against evil, guardian angels, and Saint Joseph as protector of the family.

Psalm 91 is also widely read during protection prayers, because it describes God as a shelter and refuge.

How to pray a novena for protection

Choose your intention. Decide clearly what you are asking protection for, such as a person, a home or a journey.

Pick a time. Pray at roughly the same time each day for nine days. Morning or evening works well for most people.

Open in quiet. Begin with the sign of the cross or a moment of silence.

Read Scripture. A short passage such as Psalm 91 or Psalm 121 helps focus the mind.

Pray the novena prayer. Use a prayer from your tradition or your own words.

Close with familiar prayers. Many people end with the Our Father and a Glory Be.

If you miss a day, most priests would say to simply continue. The heart of a novena is faithfulness, not perfection.

A sample prayer for protection

This is an original sample you can adapt: Loving God, I place myself and those I love in your care today. Keep us safe in body, mind and spirit. Guard our going out and our coming in. Where there is danger, be our shelter, and where there is fear, give us courage and peace. I trust this intention to you, and I ask it through Christ our Lord. Amen.

After the nine days

Many people end a novena by giving thanks, whatever the outcome. Others continue praying more simply each day. The lasting gift of a novena is often the habit of turning to God with trust.