Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Holy Mother Church dedicates the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Numerous saints held a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of our Lord, including St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who penned the following invocation:

  O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.

Like these saints, we would do well to increase our love and devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church teaches true devotion to the Sacred Heart means honoring the Heart of Christ in that His Heart recalls His love and sacrifice for us. This devotion to Our Lord focuses on two parts for us: consecration and reparation. Consecration to His Most Sacred Heart means giving and trusting ourselves to His care, loving Him, and striving to grow closer to Him; reparation focuses on humbling ourselves before the Lord, filled with sorrow for the sins we have committed against His Sacred Heart and striving to imitate Him. 

The following novena to the Sacred Heart can be prayed at anytime, but it is especially fitting during the month of June and nine days before the feast of the Sacred Heart, June 27.

Novena Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Divine Jesus, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Behold me kneeling at Your feet, filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary. I come to ask this favor: (Mention your request).

To whom can I turn if not to You, Whose Heart is the source of all graces and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of Your kindness and mercy? Where should I knock if not at the door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In You I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials, and light in doubt and darkness. 

Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be granted. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy, and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer. 

Sacred Heart, whatever may be Your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever. Grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers are all-powerful with You. Amen.