Novena to the Infant Jesus

Definition

A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer in the Catholic tradition to seek special graces, favors, or petitions. The Novena to the Infant Jesus honors Jesus Christ in His childhood, particularly as depicted in the Infant Jesus of Prague, a statue venerated since the 16th century in the Czech Republic. This devotion emphasizes Jesus’ humility, purity, and divine kingship, seeking His intercession for protection, provision, and childlike trust in God.

Full Prayers (One Per Day for Nine Days)

1. Day 1 Prayer: O Infant Jesus, King of Heaven and Earth, Your humble birth shows Your love for us. Help me trust in Your divine providence. I ask Your intercession for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

2. Day 2 Prayer: Dear Child Jesus, You came as a helpless babe to teach us humility. Grant me a humble heart to serve others. I seek Your help for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

3. Day 3 Prayer: O Infant Jesus, You were adored by shepherds and Magi. Inspire me to worship You with a pure heart. Hear my petition (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

4. Day 4 Prayer: Sweet Child Jesus, Your Holy Family trusted God’s plan. Strengthen my family in faith and love. I ask Your intercession for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

5. Day 5 Prayer: O Infant Jesus, You are the source of all blessings. Provide for my needs according to Your will. I seek Your help for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

6. Day 6 Prayer: Dear Child Jesus, Your innocence calls us to purity. Cleanse my heart of sin and guide me to holiness. Hear my intention (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

7. Day 7 Prayer: O Infant Jesus, You brought peace to the world. Grant peace to my heart and home. I ask Your intercession for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

8. Day 8 Prayer: Sweet Child Jesus, Your love embraces the poor and suffering. Help me show compassion to those in need. I seek Your help for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

9. Day 9 Prayer: O Infant Jesus, You reign as King of all creation. Lead me to eternal life through Your love. Hear my petition (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

Real Life Stories and Bible Stories (7 Total)

1. Bible Story: The Nativity (Luke 2:4-7): Jesus was born in a humble manger, revealing His divine humility, central to the Infant Jesus devotion.

2. Real Life Story: Healing of a Child (2023): A Filipino mother prayed the Infant Jesus Novena for her daughter’s heart defect. Post-novena, surgery was successful, credited to the Child Jesus.

3. Real Life Story: Financial Provision (2024): A family in Prague prayed to the Infant Jesus for funds to save their home. On day nine, they received an unexpected inheritance, thanking His intercession.

4. Bible Story: The Adoration of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12): The Magi offered gifts to the Infant Jesus, reflecting His kingship and the devotion’s call to worship.

5. Real Life Story: Job Breakthrough (2025): A Nigerian prayed the novena for employment. After completing it, he secured a stable job, attributing it to the Infant Jesus.

6. Real Life Story: Family Reconciliation (2024): A couple prayed to the Infant Jesus for their estranged son’s return. He came home after the novena, credited to His prayers.

7. Bible Story: The Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38): Simeon and Anna recognized the Infant Jesus as the Savior, mirroring the devotion’s focus on His divine mission.

Comments by People (7)

1. “The Infant Jesus Novena saved my daughter’s heart surgery. He’s miraculous!” – Maria, Philippines, 2023.

2. “We kept our home thanks to the Child Jesus’ prayers. Amazing grace!” – Anna, Prague, 2024.

3. “I got a job after praying to the Infant Jesus. He hears us!” – Joseph, Nigeria, 2025.

4. “Our son returned home after the novena. Thank you, Baby Jesus!” – Sarah, 2024.

5. “This novena brought peace to my heart. The Infant Jesus is powerful!” – Theresa, 2025.

6. “Praying to the Child Jesus deepened my faith. He’s so loving!” – John, 2024.

7. “The Infant Jesus helped my family through tough times. Viva Niño!” – Michael, 2025.

Bible Verses (10)

1. Luke 2:7: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger.”

2. Matthew 2:11: “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.”

3. Luke 2:32: “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

4. Matthew 18:3: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

5. Philippians 2:7: “But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

6. Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

7. John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

8. Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

9. Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

10. Luke 1:47: “And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

Devotional: Embracing Childlike Faith with the Infant Jesus
This novena devotional invites you to grow in humility and trust through devotion to the Infant Jesus. For nine days, focus on a theme: trust (Day 1), humility (Day 2), worship (Day 3), family (Day 4), provision (Day 5), purity (Day 6), peace (Day 7), compassion (Day 8), and eternity (Day 9). Read Luke 2:4-7 or Matthew 2:1-12 daily, light a candle, and pray the novena prayer. Reflect on the Infant Jesus’ vulnerability and divine power, and how you can imitate His childlike faith. Journal your intentions, asking the Child Jesus to intercede. Conclude with, “Infant Jesus, I trust in You.” This devotional fosters a deeper love for Jesus’ childhood and reliance on His divine care.

Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)

1. St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Patron of Missions): Born in 1873, Thérèse embraced a “little way” of childlike trust, akin to the Infant Jesus devotion. She died in 1897 and was canonized in 1925.

2. St. Anthony of Padua (Patron of Lost Things): Born in 1195, Anthony preached with humility, reflecting the Infant Jesus’ simplicity. He died in 1231 and was canonized in 1232.

3. St. Agnes (Patron of Virgins): Born in 291, Agnes lived with childlike purity, mirroring the Infant Jesus’ innocence. She was martyred in 304 and canonized soon after.

Stories of Jesus Christ Encounter with People (5)

1. The Adoration of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20): Shepherds worshiped the Infant Jesus, reflecting the devotion’s call to adore Him.

2. The Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12): The Magi offered gifts to the Child Jesus, showing His kingship, central to this novena.

3. The Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38): Simeon and Anna recognized the Infant Jesus as the Messiah, echoing His divine mission.

4. The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52): At age 12, Jesus taught in the temple, revealing His wisdom, even as a child.

5. The Blessing of the Children (Mark 10:13-16): Jesus welcomed children, saying, “Let the children come to me,” reflecting the childlike faith of this devotion.

Prophetic Declarations (10)

1. I declare that the Infant Jesus’ intercession fills me with trust in God.

2. I proclaim that I embrace humility through the Child Jesus’ example.

3. I decree that my worship of Jesus grows, inspired by the Infant King.

4. I declare that my family is blessed through the Infant Jesus’ prayers.

5. I proclaim that God provides for my needs through the Child Jesus.

6. I decree that my heart is purified by the Infant Jesus’ innocence.

7. I declare that peace reigns in my life through the Infant Jesus’ love.

8. I proclaim that I show compassion, guided by the Child Jesus.

9. I decree that the Infant Jesus hears my petitions for favor.

10. I declare that I live for eternity through the Infant Jesus’ grace.

Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests (10)

1. “The Infant Jesus teaches us to trust God like children.” – Fr. Michael Nguyen, 2024 homily.

2. “Pray to the Child Jesus for humility and pure faith.” – Fr. James Lee, 2025 retreat.

3. “The Infant King calls us to worship with open hearts.” – Fr. Paul Kim, 2024 sermon.

4. “Seek the Infant Jesus for family unity and love.” – Fr. Thomas Garcia, 2025 catechesis.

5. “The Child Jesus provides for all our needs.” – Fr. David Chen, 2024 Bible study.

6. “Trust the Infant Jesus to cleanse your heart of sin.” – Fr. Robert Martinez, 2025 homily.

7. “The Infant Jesus brings peace to troubled souls.” – Fr. Stephen O’Connor, 2024 retreat.

8. “Follow the Child Jesus to serve the poor with love.” – Fr. Joseph Wong, 2025 parish talk.

9. “The Infant Jesus hears our prayers with divine love.” – Fr. John Kelly, 2024 conference.

10. “The Child Jesus leads us to eternal life.” – Fr. Mark Liu, 2025 sermon.

Prayer Points (10)

1. Pray for trust in God’s providence through the Infant Jesus’ intercession.

2. Ask for humility, inspired by the Child Jesus’ example.

3. Seek a pure heart to worship Jesus, guided by the Infant King.

4. Pray for family unity and love through the Infant Jesus’ prayers.

5. Request provision for your needs, trusting the Child Jesus.

6. Ask for purity of heart, following the Infant Jesus’ innocence.

7. Pray for peace in your heart and home through the Infant Jesus.

8. Seek grace to show compassion, inspired by the Child Jesus.

9. Ask the Infant Jesus to present your petitions to God.

10. Pray for eternal life, guided by the Infant Jesus’ love.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Trusting the Infant Jesus
Find a quiet space and light a candle to symbolize Christ’s light. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Picture the Infant Jesus of Prague, a small statue with a crown, His right hand raised in blessing, His left holding a globe. See His tender smile as He rests in the manger or in Mary’s arms. Reflect on Luke 2:7, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger.” Imagine the Child Jesus looking at you with love, inviting you to trust Him. Ask: How can I embrace childlike faith? How can I rely on Jesus’ provision? Spend five minutes in silence, resting in His divine care. Conclude by praying, “Infant Jesus, I trust in You.” Carry His peace and humility into your day, trusting His love.