Nine days Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague

This devotion originated in the heart of St. Teresa of Avila (1582) and of St. John of the Cross (1591) who handed it over to the Carmelite Order as a spiritual treasure. In 1624 this devotion was revived in the Carmel of Prague.

FIRST DAY

O! Sweet Child Jesus, here at Your feet is a soul that, conscious of its nothingness, turns to You, who are all. I have so much need of Your help. Look on me, O! Jesus, with love and since You are all powerful, help me in my poverty.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

SECOND DAY

O Splendour of the heavenly Father, in whose face shines the light of the divinity, I adore You profoundly and I confess You as the true Son of the living God. I offer You, O Lord, the humble homage of all my being. Grant that I may never separate myself from You, my highest good.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen...

THIRD DAY

O Holy Child Jesus, in gazing upon Your countenance, from which comes the most beautiful of smiles, I feel myself filled with a lively trust. Yes, I hope for all from Your goodness. Shed, O Jesus, on me and on those dear to me Your smile of grace and I will praise Your infinite mercy.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

FOURTH DAY

O Child Jesus, whose forehead is adorned with a crown, I accept You as my absolute sovereign. I do not wish to serve any longer the evil one, my passions or sin. Reign, O Jesus over this poor heart and make it all Yours for ever.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

FIFTH DAY

I gaze upon You, O Most Sweet Redeemer, dressed in a mantle of purple. It is Your royal attire. How it speaks to me of blood! That Blood which You have shed solely on my account. Grant, O Child Jesus that I may respond to Your great sacrifice and not refuse, when You offer me some difficulty, to suffer with You and for You.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

SIXTH DAY

O Most Lovable Child, in contemplating You as You sustain the world, my heart fills with joy. Among the innumerable beings that You sustain I also am one. You look on me, uphold me at every instant and guard me as Your own. Look after, O Jesus, this humble being and help it in its many necessities.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

SEVENTH DAY

On Your breast, O Child Jesus, shines a Cross. It is the standard of our redemption. I also, O Divine Saviour, have my cross, that, although light, very often weighs me down. Help me to bear it and may the carrying of it be fruitful. You well know weak and worthless I am.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

EIGHTH DAY

Together with the cross, I see on Your breast, O Child Jesus, a little golden heart. It is the image of Your heart, which is truly golden on account of its infinite tenderness. You are the true friend, that generously gives Himself, even immolates Himself, for the one He loves. Continue to pour out on me, O Jesus, the enthusiasm which Your love inspires and teach me to respond always to Your great love.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

NINTH DAY

How many blessings, O Little Child has Your almighty right hand poured out on those who honour You and call upon You. Bless me also, O Child Jesus, my soul, my body and my interests. Bless and help me in my necessities, and grant me what I now desire. Listen with compassion to my prayers and I will bless Your Holy Name every day.

"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."

By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.

Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:

O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.

Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.

V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord. 
R/ Now and forever.

Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.

Nine days Divine Mercy Novena

This Novena can be made at any time, but Our Lord especially wished that it be made beginning Good Friday in preparation for the Feast of His Mercy, which should be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. He told her that "The souls that will go to confession, in preparation, and communion on this day will obtain a complete remission of all sin and all punishment. .... On each day You will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and You will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the House of My Father ... on each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My Bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

Open each day with the Chaplet to the Divine Mercy then say the prayer for the day's intention:

The Lord's Prayer:

Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be 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:

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 our death. Amen

Apostles' Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

On starting and on the 4 large Rosary beads say:

Eternal Father, I offer You to Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On each of the 10 small Rosary beads say:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Conclude by saying three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

First Day

"Today bring to me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. In this way you will console me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges me."

Most merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your Mercy, that we may praise the infinite power of Your Mercy, forever and forever. Amen.

Second Day

"Today bring to me the souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in my unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure my bitter passion. Through them, as though channels, my mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service that they perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in Heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of Priests and Religious - and endow them with the strength of Your Blessing. For the Love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your Power and Light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless Mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Third Day

"Today bring to me all devout and faithful souls and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your Mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the Holy Faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless Mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Fourth Day

"Today bring to me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know me. I was thinking also of them during my bitter passion, and their future zeal comforted my heart. Immerse them in the ocean of my mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who as yet do not believe in You or do not know You. Let the rays of Your Grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful Mercy, and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who do not believe in Your Son, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your Mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Fifth Day

"Today bring to me the souls who have separated from my Church and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. During my bitter passion they tore at my body and Heart, that is, my Church. As they return to unity with the Church, my wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate my passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated from Your Church. Draw them by Your Light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your Mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon the souls of those who are separated from Your Son's Church, especially those who have squandered Your Blessings and misused Your Graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His Bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they may glorify Your great Mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Sixth Day

"Today bring to me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children and immerse them in my mercy. These souls most closely resemble my Heart. They strengthened me during my bitter agony. I saw them as earthly angels, who will keep vigil at my altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble souls is capable of receiving my grace. I favour humble souls with my confidence."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart". Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all Heaven into ecstasy, and they are the Heavenly Father's favourites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the Throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very Throne. Father of Mercy and of all Goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them. Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your Mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Seventh Day

"Today bring to me the souls who especially venerate and glorify my mercy and immerse them in my mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my passion and entered most deeply into my spirit. They are living images of my compassionate heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward confident of Your Mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These soulks will not be judged severely, but Your Mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest atribute, that of Your fathomless Mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their spirits, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: show them Your Mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the Promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless Mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His Glory. Amen.

Eighth Day

"Today bring to me the souls who are detained in purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. Let the torrents of my Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are really loved by me. They are making retribution to my justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all indulgences from the treasury of my Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt for my justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Ninth Day

"Today bring to me souls who have become lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. These souls wound my Heart most painfully. My souls suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: "Father, take this cup away from me, if it be Your will". For them the last hope of salvation is to run to my mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your Pure Love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your Mercy and draw them into the very ardour of Your Love; and bestow upon them the gift of Holy Love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross, let them too, glorify the Abyss of Your Mercy. Amen.