Novena in Honor of St. Paul

(For Year of St. Paul: June 28, 2008 – June 29, 2009)

Opening Prayer (for each day):

Lord, our God, you appointed the Apostle Paul to preach the good news of salvation. Fill the entire earth with the faith he carried to many peoples and nations, that your Church may continue to grow. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen. (from Votive Mass of Saint Paul, Apostle)

Intentions and Scripture Readings:

Day 1: For Non-Believers in God: a) 1Tim 2:1-6 b) Rom 1:18-31, 8:1-25

Day 2: For Our Jewish Brothers and Sisters: a) Rom 1:16-17; Gal 3:26-29 b) Rom 11:1-36

Day 3: For Unity of Christians: a) Phil 2:1-4 b) 1Cor 1:10-31, 13:1-13

Day 4: For Those Who Have Left the Practice of the Faith: a) Heb 10:19-25 b) Col 1:3-29

Day 5: For Greater Love of the Eucharist: a) 1Cor 11:23-29 b) Rom 12:1-21

Day 6: For Freedom from Addictions:a) Gal 5:13-26; Phil 2:12-13 b) Rom 6:1-23; 7:18-25

Day 7: For a Spirit of Stewardship: a) 1Tim 6:11-19 b) 2Cor 8:1 - 9:15; Eph 4:25-32

Day 8: For Perseverance in Time of Trouble: a) Rom: 8:28-39; Titus 3:4-7 b) 2Cor 11:1-33

Day 9: For Faithful Departed Loved Ones: a) 1Thes 4:13-18 b) 1Cor 15:1-58

Note: Use a) readings for shorter novena. Use a) & b) readings for more in depth novena.

Pray Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be (every day)

Closing Prayer (every day):

God, our Father, you transformed St. Paul from a persecutor of Christianity to an impassioned apostle, suffering every kind of hardship to make Jesus Christ known to the world. Through his intercession, give us grace to see the difficulties of life as opportunities to grow in holiness. May the example of St. Paul inspire vocations, sustain those working for the Gospel and make all hearts open to your will. May his Spirit-filled words help our nation turn from false paths and see Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. By his prayers, may we always seek the kingdom of God and his justice. Through Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (adapted from prayer by Blessed James Alberione)