A Novena of Confidence to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A novena is a special type of Catholic devotion that consists of a prayer requesting a special grace which is normally recited on nine days in succession. The practice of praying novenas is described in the Scriptures. After Jesus ascended into heaven, He instructed the disciples on how to pray together and how to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). Church doctrine holds that the Apostles, Blessed Virgin Mary, and other followers of Jesus all prayed together for nine consecutive days, which ended with the descent of the Holy Spirit to earth on Pentecost. Based on this history, Roman Catholic practice has many novena prayers dedicated to particular circumstances. 

This particular novena is appropriate to use during the Feast of the Sacred Heart during the month of June, but it can also be prayed at any time of the year.  

Historically, the Feast of the Sacred Heart falls 19 days after Pentecost, which means its date can be as early as May 29 or as late as July 2. Its first known year of celebration was in 1670. It is one of the most commonly practiced devotions in Roman Catholicism, and it symbolically positions Jesus Christ's literal, physical heart as representative of His divine compassion for humanity. Some Anglicans and Protestant Lutherans also practice this devotion. 

In this particular prayer of confidence to the Sacred Heart, we ask Christ to present our request to His Father as His own. There are various wordings used for the Novena of Confidence to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, some highly formalized and others more conversational, but the one reprinted here is the most common rendition. 

O Lord Jesus Christ,
To your most Sacred Heart,
I confide this intention:
(​Mention your intention here)
Only look upon me,  And then do what your Sacred Heart inspires.
Let your Sacred Heart decide; I count on it, I trust in it.
I throw myself on Your mercy, Lord Jesus! You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your Kingdom come.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked you for many favors,
But I earnestly implore this one. Take it.
Place it in Your open, broken Heart;
And, when the Eternal Father looks upon It,
Covered with Your Precious Blood, He will not refuse it.
It will be no longer my prayer, But Yours, O Jesus.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.
Let me not be disappointed.
Amen.