Novena for Any Necessity

1st Day

Invocation:
V. O God, come to my assistance;
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Prayer:
Heavenly father, You know all things, and nothing is hidden from You; in Your kindness come to my aid in my present distress, and grant my humble petition. In Christ's name I beg Your help. Amen.

Practice:
Do a kind deed today for someone you meet.

2nd Day

Invocation:
V. Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me;
R. O Lord, be my helper.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, Your love for us never falters in spite of our sins and failures; please show Your mercy and care for me in my difficulty. For the sake of Christ, our Savior, have pity on me. Amen.

Practice:
Recognize the image of Christ today in those around you.

3rd Day

Invocation:
V. Lord, be not far from me;
R. Awake and be vigilant in my defense, my God.

Prayer:
Loving Father, You are not far from any of us since in You we live, move, and have our being; kindly increase my awareness of Your presence, and take care of my pressing need. Christ, our Lord, assures us You will. Amen.

Practice:
For this day cast all your cares upon the Lord.

4th Day

Invocation:
V. Your ways, O Lord, make known to me;
R. Teach me Your paths.

Prayer:
Father Almighty, Your ways and mysterious purpose are often hidden from us; guide me now, I beg You, in my sorrow, and by Your power aid me to know Your will. May I do it in imitation of Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

Practice:
Consider seriously today how best you can do God's will.

5th Day

Invocation:
V. Now I will arise, says the Lord;
R. I will grant safety to him who longs for it.

Prayer:
In You, heavenly Father, I confidently place all my trust; in Your hands I leave all my anxieties with faith in Your care for me. From You alone I await relief because of Christ, Your Son, Who pleads for us. Amen.

Practice:
For God's sake help some person today whom you may not like.

6th Day

Invocation:
V. O Lord, reprove me not in Your anger;
R. Nor chastise me in Your wrath.

Prayer:
Merciful Father, You know my sins and disobedience, my weakness and ingratitude which have deserved punishment; yet, You are ever ready to forgive, and gracious to all in trouble. In Christ's name, come quickly to help me. Amen.

Practice:
Hold back today the harsh word; banish the unkind thought.

7th Day

Invocation:
V. The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed;
R. A stronghold in time of distress.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, You never reject those who seek Your help, and are ever ready to comfort the sorrowful; have pity on me in my needs, and rescue me from all my afflictions. In Christ's name I implore Your compassion. Amen.

Practice:
In imitation of Christ do good to those who dislike you.

8th Day

Invocation:
V. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
R. And those who are crushed in spirit He saves.

Prayer:
Your goodness, heavenly Father, responds speedily to our wretchedness. In my distress I call upon You to hear and answer my prayers. In You alone, O God, I will continue to trust despite everything. In Christ's name. Amen

Practice:
Help someone you know who needs your aid today.

9th Day

Invocation:
V. The Lord came to my support;
R. He set me free and rescued me because He loves me.

Prayer:
Gracious Father, I will thank You each day for Your merciful goodness to me; with Your help I will ever praise Your kindness in my trouble. Please assist me now in faithfully following Christ, my Saviour. Amen.

Practice:
In gratitude be good to others today and always.