Thursday, 11 November 2021

Novena to St Paul

 

INTRODUCTION

The apostle Paul, even though not one of the twelve, is an important and influential figure in the early Church. He is critically associated with the spread of Christianity following Christ’s crucifixion, and his eventual conversion. Paul is a devout Christian whom prayer was an important part of his life. Many of his writings are contained in the canon of the scriptures; making up one-third of the New Testament. His special mission was taking the Gospel to the Gentiles; thus he is aliased the Apostle of the Gentiles. He influenced the growth and development of the Church since the first century with his many missionary journeys, and he still does today through his epistles. However, prior to his becoming a tireless champion of Christianity, he was a persecutor of the Christians; even present at and approved of the death of the first Christian martyr (Acts 8:1). He persecuted early followers of Jesus and tried to prevent the formation of the Christian Church. Nevertheless, his encounter with the risen Christ on his way to Damascus was a life-changing moment. Paul became an immediate convert to Christianity and devoted his remaining years to travelling, preaching and conversion; he grew steadily stronger in his faith in God and preached it with fervor and irresistible zeal. He was imprisoned and, although he avoided execution on various occasions, he was eventually martyred around 67AD.

St. Paul is the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers, journalists, authors, public workers, Publishers, Reporters, rope, saddle and tent makers, and many more. The Feast of St Paul is the 29th of June, although he is also honored on other days throughout the year, January 25, for his conversion, and November 18 for the dedication of his Basilica but you can pray the St. Paul Novenna for any reason that you want, so go ahead and start praying! Even if the conversion you seek right now seems small or unimportant (to grow in a specific virtue or leave behind a particular weakness that leads you to sin, for example) it is still important to ask for St. Paul’s intercession and guidance.

Muogbo Michael, SSP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY ONE: OPENNESS TO CONVERSION

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St. Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore. Amen

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you relied fully on God after your glorious conversion. Help us to know that our faith relies on God as you also knew. O great saint, obtain for me help to be open to the life-giving change in the Gospel as you were at the time of your conversion.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

 

 

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

DAY TWO: DEEPER SELF CONVERSION

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you were once a persecutor of Christians. By the grace of God, Jesus appeared to you causing your conversion. O zealous Apostle of the Church, obtain for me a heart docile to grace and conversion.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

 

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

DAY THREE: GUARD OVER MIND, HEART AND SENSES

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

 

 

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you lived a truly authentic Christian life. You faced many difficulties but you always had steadfast faith in the Lord. Help us to live authentic Christian lives and embrace the difficulties we face every day as you did. O model and preacher of chastity, guard my mind, my heart and my senses, that I may employ my energies for the love and service of God.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

 

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

 

 

 

DAY FOUR: PASSIONATE HEART OF LOVE

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you understood the gift of Christian love and lived it passionately every day. Help us to live out the gift of love in our daily lives as you did. O great accommodating saint, obtain for me a heart willing to love God and others.

 

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

DAY FIVE: ZEALOUS ADVOCACY OF THE GOSPEL

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, after your conversion you lived your faith with a great fervour. Help us to appreciate the value of faith in Christ as you did. O preacher of the faith, obtain for me the spirit of evangelism that I may be a witness to the gospel message.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

DAY SIX: PERSEVERANCE AND PERSISTENCE

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

 

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

 

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you were martyred and suffered greatly for the name of Jesus. When we suffer, help us to unite our suffering to the suffering of Christ’s passion as you did during your gruesome martyrdom. O great advocate of the gospel, obtain for me grace to endure persecution that would come with the preaching of the gospel.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

 

 

 

 

DAY SEVEN: STRONG GOSPEL WITNESS

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you lived a full life preaching the message of Jesus wherever you went. Help us to live a life worthy of God’s love for us as you did. O doctor of the gentiles, obtain for me strength that I may not grow weary in propagating the gospel.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

 

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

DAY EIGHT: FREQUENT RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you preached about the need for reconciliation and taught Christians that Jesus died so that our sins may be forgiven. Help us to frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation to continually experience God’s infinite forgiveness. O great saint, obtain for me a penitent and forgiving heart.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

DAY NINE: JOY IN EVANGELIZATION

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

V. St Paul the Apostle preacher of truth and doctor of the gentiles

R. Plead for us with God who chose you

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, you chose Paul to preach your Word, help me to be enlightened by the faith that he proclaimed. Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus The Divine Master. O Saint Paul the Apostle, preacher of the truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, pray to God for us, and grant the grace we implore.

DAILY PRAYER

St. Paul, you were filled with joy as you took on your journey to spread the message of salvation to everyone you met. Help us to live the vocation all Christians have to share the “good news” of the Gospel with others.

NOVENNA PRAYER

O glorious St. Paul, from a fierce persecutor of the Church you became, by God’s grace, Her most zealous and ardent Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our Divine Master, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonments, scourgings, stonings, and shipwreck, with all manner of persecutions, culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the Faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. St. Paul, pray for us and ask God to grant the intentions we hold within our hearts: (Mention your request). Holy St. Paul, you taught others about the saving message of Jesus, intercede for us so that Christ may live in us. Help us to know and imitate you and your love for Jesus. It is through your writings that many people have come to know Jesus, may all people know and glorify God through your writings and intercession. Amen

Our Father…             Hail Mary…                Glory be…

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. You see that we cannot rely on any of our actions, through your mercy and in Christ our Lord, may the Apostle of the gentiles protect us from all adversity. By myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything. For the love of God I will do all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

LITANY TO ST PAUL

Charity of God the father,                                                                  deliver us

Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,                                                          vivify us

Fellowship of the Holy Spirit,                                                                        sanctify us

Most blessed Paul,                                                                              pray for us

You who obtained the mercy of God                                                                        

You in whom is reveled the Son of God                                                                   

You who became the chosen vessel of Christ                                                           

You who were made the teacher, Apostle and doctor of truth to the gentiles         

You whose apostolate was confirmed by marvels and wonders                               

Most faithful minister of the Church                                                                         

You who gave to people the Gospel of Christ and your very life                             

You who carried the Christians in your heart and in your chains                                                    

You who were crucified with Christ                                                                         

You in whom Christ lived and spoke                                                                                    

You whom nothing could separate from the love of Christ                                      

You who endured imprisonment and toil                                                                  

You who suffered injuries and dangers                                                                     

You who while living on earth were taken up into heaven                                       

You who glorified your ministry                                                                               

You who having finished your course merited the crown                                         

Lamb of God, you who changed Paul from being a persecutor:        Spare us O Lord

Lamb of God, you who glorified Paul the Apostle                              Hear us O Lord

Lamb of God, you who crowned Paul martyr                                                Have mercy on us

V. You are the chosen vessel, Saint Paul the Apostle

R. Preacher of truth in the whole world

Prayer: O God, who appointed Paul the Apostle to preach the good news of salvation, fill the entire world with the faith carried to so many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow without end. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

HYMN

 

WE SALUTE YOU APOSTLE PAUL

 

We salute you Apostle Paul

One with Christ in mind and soul

You beamed the light of Christ to all

In all the world from pole to pole

 

You proclaimed everywhere the good news

Of salvation for Gentiles and Jews

And led numberless people to God

As you travelled often many a road

 

Your golden tongue and golden pen

Do peoples and nations enlighten

And support all who endeavour

Fruits of the kingdom to savour

 

Dazzling like the morning sun

Who wakes up beyond the mountain

You rose in the Eastern horizon

Spreading the radiance of God the Son

 

Flaming red like the setting sun

You reddened Western horizon

When in the glory of martyrdom

You gave your life for God’s kingdom

 

Come in spirit come to us

Speak and write and teach through us

And proclaim the Good News of Jesus

To people and nations of the world

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