Novena to the Infant of Prague
Feast: No fixed feast
When to pray: Any nine consecutive days, or from 16 to 24 Dec before Christmas. A novena is prayed on nine consecutive days.
Prayer for each day
Infant Jesus, King of heaven, you made yourself small for me. I trust in your care for me and my family. Bless this intention and keep me humble. Amen.
Day by day
Day 1: The King who became a child
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
John 1:14, Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Eternal King of heaven, you became a little child for love of me. I adore you, and I place my trust in your goodness. Amen.
Day 2: Gift of a princess
The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:
Ps 71:10 [Ps 72:10], Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, your statue was a gift from a noblewoman to the Carmelites of Prague, as kings once brought gifts to you. Accept the gift of my heart, poor as it is, and make it pleasing to you. Amen.
Day 3: Hands of the Carmelites
Whom when Jesus saw, he was much displeased and saith to them: Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14, Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, the Carmelite friars cared for your image and spread devotion to you. You said, Suffer the little children to come unto me. Bless all children, protect them from harm, and keep their faith alive. Amen.
Day 4: 'Honour me and I will bless you'
Wherefore thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should minister in my sight, for ever. But now saith the Lord: Far be this from me: but whosoever shall glorify me, him will I glorify: but they that despise me, shall be despised.
1 Kings 2:30 [1 Sam 2:30], Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, the friar who restored your statue taught that those who honour you will be blessed. The Lord says, Whosoever shall glorify me, him will I glorify. Teach me to honour you in my home and in my heart. Amen.
Day 5: Poverty of Bethlehem
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor for your sakes: that through his poverty you might be rich.
2 Cor 8:9, Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, being rich, you became poor for our sakes, that through your poverty we might be rich. You were born in a stable. Free me from the love of riches, and make me generous to the poor. Amen.
Day 6: Trust like a child
And said: amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 18:3, Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, unless we become as little children, we shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Give me the trust of a child: simple, humble and confident in the Father's love. Amen.
Day 7: Providence
Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value than they?
Matt 6:26, Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, the Father feeds the birds of the air, and we are of more value than they. I place in your small hands my needs and the needs of those I love. Provide for us according to your will. Amen.
Day 8: The crown and the globe
And he hath on his garment and on his thigh written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Apoc 19:16 [Rev 19:16], Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, your image wears a crown and holds the globe, for you are King of kings and Lord of lords. Reign over my heart, my family and my country, and let your peace rule over the whole world. Amen.
Day 9: Thanks
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Ps 117:1 [Ps 118:1], Douay-Rheims
Infant Jesus, give praise to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. On this last day I thank you for every blessing you have given, and I ask you to keep me always your faithful child. Amen.
Scripture
Douay-Rheims numbering (modern in brackets): 1 Kings 2:30 [1 Sam 2:30]; 2 Cor 8:9; Apoc 19:16 [Rev 19:16]; John 1:14; Mark 10:14; Matt 18:3; Matt 6:26; Ps 117:1 [Ps 118:1]; Ps 71:10 [Ps 72:10]. Scripture index
Source
Written for The Crusade, 2026. How we check sources