Saint John the Baptist Novena
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Show HideSt. John the Baptist’s work in glorifying Christ began before he was even born when he leapt in the womb of his mother at the sound of Mary’s voice and in recognition of the presence of the Savior within her.
The Church considers St. John the Baptist the forerunner of Christ, a man set apart for a mission. He was the last prophet and brought about conversion in the hearts of many, paving the way for the coming of the Savior.
His entire life and ministry pointed only to Jesus and God’s great mercy. Ask for his powerful intercession so that you may better know, love, and serve the Lord.
About Saint John the Baptist
The details surrounding the conception and birth of St. John the Baptist were miraculous in and of themselves.
An angel told St. Zachariah, a Jewish priest, that despite their old age, he and his wife Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son named John. Because of his skepticism, Zachariah found himself unable to speak until the Lord’s word was fulfilled.
During her pregnancy, St. Elizabeth was visited by her cousin Mary after the Blessed Mother heard of Elizabeth’s pregnancy during the Annunciation. When the unborn infant John heard Mary’s greeting, he jumped in his mother’s womb, causing Elizabeth to cry out her Spirit-inspired greeting: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:45).
Mary remained with her cousin until the birth of John.
At St. John’s circumcision, after his father could speak again, Zachariah gave his famous and prophetic canticle now prayed daily by the Church during the Liturgy of the Hours:
“Blessed be the Lord, The God of Israel; He has come to His people and set them free.”
Scripture does not tell us more of John’s childhood, but we can assume that his virtuous parents helped form him in his role in preparing the way of the Lord’s coming.
Before he began his public ministry, John followed the ancient custom of holy men and went into the desert beyond the Jordan where he prayed and fasted. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that John “wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4).
He then returned to Judea and began zealously preaching about the coming of the Lord and the need for repentance among the people.
His preaching attracted large crowds, and many people from Judea and the surrounding areas came to him for baptism. Many people also believed that he was the long-awaited Messiah, though he continued to speak of the coming of someone greater.
All three synoptic Gospels contain the account in which Jesus eventually went to John to be baptized. John tried to prevent him, acknowledging Christ’s saving power, but Jesus insisted. After Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened and a voice spoke: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
John instructed his followers, which included St. Andrew who became one of the Twelve Apostles, to turn to Jesus instead.
John’s popularity grew after Jesus’ baptism, catching the attention of Herod, who ruled at the time.
John continued to speak boldly for the truth, condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to the wife of his half brother, Philip. The woman, Herodias, continued to spread lies and fuel Herod’s resentment for John, leading to his imprisonment.
After the arrest of John the Baptist, Christ Himself spoke of John saying: ”Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).
On Herod’s birthday, he gave a great feast, and Herodias’ daughter (Salome) from her first marriage danced for all of the guests. Herod was so pleased that he promised to give her anything she wanted.
At the suggestion of her mother, who had continued to plot the demise of John the Baptist, Salome ordered John’s head brought in on a platter. Reluctantly, Herod obliged and John was beheaded.
Although his life and ministry came to a swift end by his cruel death, St. John the Baptist left us with the example of piety, virtue, and zeal for the Lord.
The feast of St. John the Baptist is unique to that of other saints, with the exception of the Blessed Mother, in that it celebrates his nativity rather than his martyrdom. This is because of the tradition in which St. John, while not immaculately conceived like Mary, was cleansed from original sin while still in the womb of his mother.
The Church has also given the Feast of St. John the Baptist the highest rank of Solemnity to emphasize his important role in the life of Christ and the Church.
Saint John the Baptist’s Feast Day: June 24
Why Pray the Saint John the Baptist Novena?
St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of baptism and converts. If you or someone you know is preparing for the sacrament of baptism or confirmation, you can pray this novena so that you may be opened to the graces the Lord wishes to pour out.
Because of his preaching and works of evangelization, you may also pray this novena for those who work in ministry and those who are helping to prepare others to come into the Church, that the Holy Spirit may guide them in their works.
St. John is also the patron saint of bird dealers, lambs, monastics, printers, tailors, as well as many places including Jordan, Puerto Rico, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and more. He is a great person to pray to if you or someone you know is from one of the places that claims his patronage.
You can pray the Saint John the Baptist Novena for any intention!
Saint John the Baptist Novena Prayers
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist, even before your birth, the Lord began marvelous deeds in and through you.
The Lord, having heard the prayers of your parents Zechariah and Elizabeth, sent the angel Gabriel to bring the good news of your coming despite their old age. The angel spoke of your great destiny, of your Spirit-led evangelization, and how you would turn many hearts back to God.
The Annunciation of your birth foreshadowed the Annunciation of Jesus’ birth, as soon your mother’s cousin would receive a similar proclamation. Your whole life pointed to God–a Father who keeps His promises.
May I follow your example to proclaim the goodness of God through all of my words and actions? Teach me how to be open to the Holy Spirit and increase my desire to bring others, especially my family and those close to me, to the faith. Make my life a shining witness to God’s glory.
Increase my trust in the Lord’s faithfulness.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Saint John the Baptist, from your mother’s womb, you proclaimed the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father who sent His Son for us. You recognized the Lord through His Blessed Mother’s voice and leaped with joy at His mere presence.
Your mother learned of the saving work of God and the great mystery of the Incarnation through you, preaching long before your mouth could give voice. This was only the start of your prophetic work.
Announce Christ to me as you did to your mother. Allow me to be so filled with the joy of the Good News that I cannot help but share it with everyone whom I encounter; increase my desire for others to share in my joy. Help me to proclaim the Gospel with my life.
Open also the eyes of all, especially in my country, to recognize life from the moment of its conception and ensure that the dignity of the unborn is upheld.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist, the declaration of your name loosed the tongue of your father rendered speechless by his unbelief. Through your name, the whole of Judea recognized the Lord’s hand on your life.
Through your name, your father praised God for His goodness and mercy and understood your role in His plan for our salvation. Even from your infancy, you brought glory to the Lord.
May I also understand the saving work of God in my life and His deep desire for me to draw closer to His Sacred Heart.
Help me recognize the immeasurable gift that God extends to me through the death and resurrection of His Son. Teach me how to offer myself to Him in gratitude for all He has done.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John the Baptist, you went out into the desert to pray and fast before beginning your ministry and mission. You became a messenger for the Lord, the forerunner of Christ, “the voice of one crying out in the desert.”
You proclaimed a baptism of repentance and invited others to experience the healing waters, turning hardened hearts back to flesh and blood.
Call to my mind the finite time we have on earth and the vastness of eternity. Inspire me to turn my heart and mind back to the Lord each day so that I may live for heaven rather than building up earthly treasures.
Help me know my sins and to be truly sorry for them, and let nothing stand in my way in seeking forgiveness from the One who heals. Walk with me, and when my time on earth is at its end, help deliver me into the arms of Jesus and His Blessed Mother.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John the Baptist, when Christ came to you for baptism, you recognized your own unworthiness before Him, recognizing Him as the mightier One who is coming, yet you allowed yourself to fulfill the role He asked you to play. It was a role that equipped Jesus with the Holy Spirit to begin His ministry.
O Baptist, humble me before the Lord. Help me recognize that any good work that I perform comes, not through my own power, but through God’s grace alone. I am nothing without Him.
But grant me also the courage to follow His call for my life, stepping out with confidence knowing that the Lord will help me fulfill it. Allow me to facilitate an encounter with the Holy Spirit by following God’s will.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John the Baptist, having performed the Baptism of the Lord and witnessing the Holy Spirit descend upon Him, you knew Christ’s identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the “Lamb of God” who came to take away the sins of the world.
You never received the people who came to you for your own glory, but for His. When the time came, you sent even your own disciples to Jesus.
Because of your teaching, your disciple Andrew went without hesitancy to follow Him, taking along his brother and friend as well. You helped prepare the Apostles of Christ to recognize the voice of the Shepherd and set them up for success in the mission on which they were about to embark.
I pray that you would do the same for me.
Help me to know and love Jesus with all my heart and increase my desire to bring others to Him. Eliminate my vain fear of others turning away from me and help me desire only to bring the souls around me to the Truth.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John the Baptist, you were chosen to serve as the best man to the coming Bridegroom, to prepare the way for Him to receive and be received by his bride. You rejoiced when people began to turn from you and turn toward Christ, recognizing the fulfillment of your mission.
You always knew that He must increase and you must decrease, that the glory belonged to Him alone.
Dear John, let me learn from you how to have a humble heart. Teach me to rejoice not in my own successes but for God’s glory shining through. Point me toward Christ so that I may run toward Him with the same love and joy as a bride on her wedding day.
Pray that I may desire only to do the will of the Beloved.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John the Baptist, you were chosen to serve as the best man to the coming Bridegroom, to prepare the way for Him to receive and be received by his bride. You rejoiced when people began to turn from you and turn toward Christ, recognizing the fulfillment of your mission.
You always knew that He must increase and you must decrease, that the glory belonged to Him alone.
Dear John, let me learn from you how to have a humble heart. Teach me to rejoice not in my own successes but for God’s glory shining through. Point me toward Christ so that I may run toward Him with the same love and joy as a bride on her wedding day.
Pray that I may desire only to do the will of the Beloved.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint John the Baptist Novena - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John the Baptist, God sent you to bear witness to the light of Christ illuminating the darkness of our sin.
You surpassed all other prophets; Jesus Himself said of you: “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” You were the last messenger sent by God to His people before sending His Son, our Savior.
God entrusted you to speak the words that would transcend time and speak to us even today, inviting us ever closer to the heart of God through repentance.
Help me hear and respond to your call with the same fervor with which you preached it. Teach me how to open my heart to the graces God poured out during my baptism and to wholeheartedly embrace the call to live a Christian life.
Pray that I may one day join you in heaven and that I, like you, may bring many souls with me into the Kingdom of God.
Lord Jesus, Your cousin John prepared the way for Your coming into the world. Through his intercession, grant that I may welcome You into my heart as Savior and King and hear the special intention I bring to you today…
[Mention your Intention]
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.