Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
Urgent and seemingly impossible needs, financial provision, employment, families, children
Tradition: Carmelite devotion to the Holy Childhood of Jesus, centered on the miraculous statue venerated by the Discalced Carmelites at the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague since 1628
Associated feast: Devotion linked to the Nativity and the Holy Name of Jesus; the statue is honored at the Church of Our Lady Victorious, Prague
When to pray: This novena may be prayed on any nine consecutive days, and is traditionally turned to in times of urgent or seemingly impossible need — for provision, employment, healing, or family difficulties. Some pray it as a powerful nine-hour novena in cases of great urgency.
Begin Day 1 →About this devotion
Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague centers on a small wax-coated statue of the Child Jesus, dressed in royal robes and crowned, holding a globe surmounted by a cross to signify his sovereignty over the world. The statue, of Spanish origin, was given to the Discalced Carmelites of the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague in 1628. When the friars honoured the Holy Child with renewed devotion, they experienced a remarkable restoration of their fortunes, and the devotion spread from Prague throughout the Catholic world.
The devotion is, at its heart, an act of childlike trust in the words of Jesus himself. Its prayers are built directly on the Lord's own promises in the Gospel: 'Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you' (Mt 7:7). The faithful approach the Divine Child with the confidence he asked of his disciples, certain that the one who became a little child for our sake will not refuse those who come to him with trust.
This nine-day novena follows the traditional Infant of Prague prayers preserved by EWTN, recited each day with one's particular intention. Because the devotion places special emphasis on confidence in urgent need, it is widely prayed by those facing financial hardship, unemployment, illness, or any situation that seems beyond human remedy. Each day concludes with the traditional petitions and the Prayer of Thanksgiving to the Divine Infant Jesus.
The Nine Days
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Day 1: Childlike confidence: Ask, and you shall receive
Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8
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Day 2: Trust in the power of Jesus’ Name
Scripture: John 16:23
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Day 3: Confidence that God’s word will not fail
Scripture: Matthew 24:35
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Day 4: The humility of God made a little Child
Scripture: Luke 2:7
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Day 5: Provision in financial hardship and want
Scripture: Matthew 6:31-33
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Day 6: Help in urgent and seemingly impossible needs
Scripture: Luke 1:37
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Day 7: Healing of the sick
Scripture: Matthew 19:14
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Day 8: The Christian family and children
Scripture: Luke 2:51-52
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Day 9: Thanksgiving and abiding trust
Scripture: Philippians 4:6
Daily Novena Prayer
Prayer of Thanksgiving to the Divine Infant Jesus
Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life. Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands. Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen.
The traditional Prayer of Thanksgiving that concludes the Infant of Prague novena, preceded each day by the three petitions beginning "O Jesus, Who has said..." Recited each of the nine days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a novena?
A novena is a nine-day cycle of prayer, modeled on the nine days the Apostles spent in prayer with Mary between the Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Each day a specific prayer or set of prayers is offered, often for a particular intention or to a particular saint.
When is the best time to pray the Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague?
This novena may be prayed on any nine consecutive days, and is traditionally turned to in times of urgent or seemingly impossible need — for provision, employment, healing, or family difficulties. Some pray it as a powerful nine-hour novena in cases of great urgency.
What if I miss a day of the novena?
Catholic devotional practice does not treat missing a day as invalidating the novena. The traditional pastoral counsel is to continue from where you left off, or to repeat the missed day. The intention behind the prayer matters more than rigid sequential observance.
Source
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/novena-to-the-infant-jesus-of-prague-11875
Primary sources