How to Pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart

The Sacred Heart represents Christ's love for mankind as demonstrated in His redemptive sacrifice.

Instructions

1. Know that between 1673 and 1675 Christ appeared the French nun Margaret Mary Alacoque, encouraging devotion to His Sacred Heart and He made twelve promises, including peace, consolation and other blessings, to those who practiced this devotion. The devotion was championed by several saints and popes and Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart in 1899. The Sacred Heart is depicted as being wrapped in the crown of thorns and appears either on its own or hovering in front of Christ's chest. Say this prayer for nine consecutive days, nine Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays or every hour for nine hours.

2. O my Jesus, you have said:
   "Truly I say to you,
   ask and you will receive,
   seek and you will find,
   knock and it will be opened to you."
   Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...

   Mention the purpose of your prayer.

3. Our Father,
   who art in Heaven,
   hallowed by Thy name,
   Thy kingdom come,
   Thy will be done
   on earth as it is in Heaven.
   Give us this day our daily bread,
   and forgive us our trespasses
   as we forgive those who trespass against us.
   And lead us not into temptation
   but deliver us from evil.
   Amen

   Hail Mary,
   Full of Grace,
   The Lord is with thee.
   Blessed art thou among women,
   and blessed is the fruit
   of thy womb, Jesus.
   Holy Mary,
   Mother of God,
   pray for us sinners now,
   and at the hour of death.
   Amen.

   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

   Sacred Heart of Jesus,
   I place all my trust in you
   Amen