Praying The St. Therese Novena: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Ever heard of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower? She's super popular in the Catholic world, and for good reason! St. Therese promised that she would shower roses from Heaven after her death. She also promised that those who prayed to her would always receive an answer. Her intercessory prayer is considered by many devout Catholics to be very powerful.

So, if you're looking for a little divine intervention, or just want to connect with a seriously inspiring saint, then this is for you. I'm going to walk you through how to say a Novena to St. Therese. Trust me; it's easier than you think, and who knows, you might just get a rose or two (metaphorically speaking, of course... or maybe not!).

Understanding the Novena

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly cover what a novena actually is. The word "novena" comes from the Latin word for "nine." Essentially, it's a nine-day period of prayer. This tradition has deep roots in Christianity, echoing the nine days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost, when the apostles and Mary prayed together in anticipation of the Holy Spirit. So, when you're doing a novena, you're joining a practice that's been around for centuries! Many novenas are said to petition God for a specific grace or favor, or to honor a particular saint. In the case of St. Therese, it's often said to seek her intercession and to honor her promise of showering roses – signs of God's love and answers to prayers – from Heaven.

The purpose of a novena, especially one to St. Therese, is multifaceted. First, it's a way to intensely focus your prayers and intentions over a sustained period. Instead of just a one-off prayer, you're dedicating nine consecutive days to a specific request or devotion. This consistency can deepen your spiritual connection and help you clarify what you're truly seeking. Second, it's an act of faith and trust. By committing to the novena, you're expressing your belief in the power of prayer and in the intercession of St. Therese. You're essentially saying, "I trust that God hears my prayers, and I trust that St. Therese will bring my petitions before Him." Finally, the novena is a way to honor St. Therese and to learn from her example. She lived a life of simplicity, humility, and unwavering faith, and by praying to her, we're inviting her to guide us on our own spiritual journeys.

Why St. Therese?

Okay, so why St. Therese, of all the saints? What makes her so special? Well, for starters, she's known for her simplicity and her "Little Way." She believed that you didn't have to perform grand gestures or achieve extraordinary things to become holy. Instead, she focused on doing small things with great love. This message resonates with a lot of people because it makes holiness feel attainable, no matter your circumstances.

Saint Therese also promised that after her death, she would send a shower of roses from Heaven as a sign that your prayers were heard. People often interpret these "roses" as blessings, answered prayers, or unexpected graces. This promise has made her a beloved intercessor for those seeking help in their lives. Moreover, St. Therese's own life story is incredibly inspiring. She faced numerous challenges, including illness and the loss of her mother at a young age, but she always maintained her faith and trust in God. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, is a testament to her unwavering devotion and has touched the hearts of millions.

Another reason why St. Therese is so popular is her accessibility. She's not a distant, untouchable figure. Her writings are relatable, her struggles are understandable, and her message is simple yet profound. She teaches us that even in the midst of our ordinary lives, we can find extraordinary opportunities to love God and serve others. In essence, praying to St. Therese is like having a wise and compassionate friend who understands your struggles and is always ready to offer her support. She's a saint for the everyday person, a reminder that holiness is within reach for all of us. And who wouldn't want a little help from a saint who promised to shower us with roses from Heaven?!

Preparing for the Novena

Alright, before you jump into the prayers, let's get you prepped and ready. Think of it like stretching before a workout, but for your soul! First, you need to set an intention. What are you asking St. Therese to intercede for? Be specific! The clearer you are about your request, the better. It could be anything from a job opportunity to healing a relationship or even just finding some peace of mind. Write it down if it helps you focus. Next, choose a time and place where you can pray uninterrupted for a few minutes each day. Consistency is key with a novena, so pick a time that works for you and stick with it. It could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before you go to bed. Find a quiet corner in your house, a peaceful spot in your garden, or even a chapel if you prefer. The important thing is to create an environment where you can focus on your prayers and connect with God.

In addition to setting an intention and choosing a time and place, it's also helpful to prepare your heart and mind for prayer. Take a few moments before you begin each day to quiet your thoughts and center yourself. You can do this by taking a few deep breaths, listening to calming music, or reading a short passage from the Bible or Story of a Soul. The goal is to clear away the distractions of the day and create a space for God to speak to you. You might also want to gather a few items that will help you focus on your prayers. A rosary, a candle, a picture of St. Therese, or a small bouquet of roses can all serve as visual reminders of your devotion. However, don't feel like you need to have all the bells and whistles to pray a novena. The most important thing is your sincere desire to connect with God and to seek the intercession of St. Therese. With a clear intention, a quiet space, and a prepared heart, you'll be well on your way to a meaningful and fruitful novena experience.

The Novena Prayers

Okay, here's the heart of the matter: the prayers themselves. There are a few different versions of the St. Therese Novena floating around, but they all follow the same basic structure. I'm going to give you a common version that you can use, but feel free to adapt it to your own style or use a different version if you prefer. The most important thing is that you pray with sincerity and from the heart.

Each day of the novena typically includes the following:

• The Sign of the Cross: Start with the traditional invocation: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

• The Opening Prayer: This prayer asks for St. Therese's intercession and expresses your trust in her promise to send roses. A common version is:

  "O Holy St. Therese of the Child Jesus, please remember that you promised to spend your heaven doing good on earth. After your death you would let fall a shower of roses. O Little Flower, from the very heart of God I ask you to obtain for me the graces I stand in need of -- (mention your specific request here) -- so that one day with you and all the saints I may praise God for ever and ever. Amen."

• A Reading: Some versions of the novena include a short reading from the Bible or from the writings of St. Therese. This can help you to reflect on her life and teachings and to deepen your connection with her.

• Prayers to St. Therese: These can include the "St. Therese Prayer" or other prayers that honor her virtues and ask for her intercession. The "St. Therese Prayer" is:

  "Saint Therese, Flower of love, pray for us. Saint Therese, model of humility, pray for us. Saint Therese, faithful servant of God, pray for us."

• The "Glory Be": This is a traditional prayer that honors the Holy Trinity:

  "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."

• The Closing Prayer: This prayer thanks St. Therese for her intercession and asks for God's blessing. A common version is:

  "St. Therese, the Little Flower, please pick me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love. St. Therese, obtain for me from God the favor I ask… (mention your specific request again)."

• The Sign of the Cross: End with the traditional invocation: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Repeat these prayers each day for nine consecutive days. Remember to pray with sincerity and to focus on your intention. Don't just rattle off the words; really think about what you're saying and why you're asking for St. Therese's help. Trust in her promise and have faith that your prayers will be heard.

During the Novena

So, you've started your novena – awesome! But the journey doesn't end with just reciting the prayers. These nine days are an opportunity for deeper reflection and connection. Pay attention to what's happening in your life during the novena. Are there any recurring thoughts, feelings, or encounters? These could be subtle signs or messages related to your intention. Keep a journal to jot down your thoughts, dreams, and any significant events that occur. This can help you track your progress and identify any patterns or insights that emerge.

It's also important to stay open to different possibilities. Sometimes, the answer to your prayer might not come in the way you expect. Be willing to accept God's will, even if it's different from what you initially desired. Maybe the job opportunity you were hoping for doesn't materialize, but instead, you discover a new passion or skill that leads you down a different path. Or perhaps the relationship you were trying to heal doesn't fully reconcile, but you find greater peace and understanding within yourself. Trust that God knows what's best for you and that He will guide you towards your highest good.

And don't forget to look for the "roses"! These aren't always literal roses, of course. They can be small blessings, unexpected graces, or moments of joy and peace. Maybe you receive a kind word from a stranger, find a solution to a problem you've been struggling with, or simply experience a sense of calm and contentment. These are all signs that St. Therese is interceding for you and that God is listening to your prayers. Remember to express gratitude for these blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Gratitude opens your heart to receive even more blessings and strengthens your connection with God and St. Therese.

After the Novena

Congrats, you've completed your novena! Now what? Well, the most important thing is to continue to trust in God's plan for you, even if you haven't received the exact answer you were hoping for. Sometimes, the answer is "yes," sometimes it's "no," and sometimes it's "not yet." Be patient and have faith that God will provide what you need in His own time and in His own way.

Keep an eye out for those roses! Just because the nine days are over doesn't mean St. Therese has stopped interceding for you. Continue to be open to blessings, graces, and unexpected opportunities. Pay attention to your intuition and follow your heart. And don't forget to express gratitude for all the good things in your life, both big and small.

Finally, consider continuing to cultivate your relationship with St. Therese. Read her autobiography, Story of a Soul, learn more about her life and teachings, and continue to pray to her regularly. She can be a powerful source of inspiration and guidance on your spiritual journey. Remember, St. Therese is not just a saint to pray to in times of need; she's also a role model and a friend. By following her "Little Way" of love, simplicity, and humility, you can grow closer to God and live a more fulfilling life.

So there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know to say a Novena to St. Therese the Little Flower. Remember, it's all about faith, trust, and a little bit of hope. And who knows, maybe you'll even get a rose or two along the way!