St. Silas Novena
Contents
Show HideSt. Silas was a member of the early Church. He lived in the Holy Land in the first century AD. Most of what we know about him comes from the Acts of the Apostles.
St. Silas did a lot of important work for the early Church. You can use this novena to seek intercession from this holy early Christian saint in many aspects of your life.
About St. Silas
Nothing is known for certain about St. Silas’ childhood or early years. He is mentioned in multiple books of the New Testament, sometimes under the alternate name “Silvanus.”
Silas is first mentioned in Acts 15:22 as a chosen representative to be sent along with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch after the Council of Jerusalem.
Scripture says, “The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barasabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers.” Scripture also tells us that Silas was considered a prophet and a strong speaker.
After Paul and Barnabas argued over Mark’s role in their work and decided to go their separate ways, Paul chose Silas to go along with him.
While on a mission with Paul, Silas was imprisoned with him in Philippi for a short time. Despite their imprisonment, Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise to God. During their prayers and hymns, a violent earthquake shook the jail. It broke their chains and opened the prison doors.
As the prisoners were escaping, the jailor was about to kill himself. But Paul stopped the jailor and told him not to harm himself because the prisoners were still there. The man fell down before Paul and Silas, won over to their faith by their holy example. Silas assisted Paul in instructing the jailor’s whole family in the faith and baptizing them.
Acts 17-18 says that Silas traveled with Paul and Timothy to Thessalonica. There, they were harassed by some traditional Jews because of their preaching. These Jews followed them and threatened to injure Paul. Paul then separated from Silas and Timothy. The three of them later reunited in Corinth.
Silas is also mentioned in Scripture in the salutations of both Thessalonians 1 and Thessalonians 2. Paul mentions Silas in 2 Corinthians 1:19.
St. Peter mentions Silas in his first epistle as well. 1 Peter 5:12 says, “I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother.”
According to the private revelation of Anne Catherine Emmerich, Silas was one of Jesus’ secret disciples who had traveled with Jesus to the land of Ur where the Three Kings had lived.
The events involving Silas that are mentioned in the New Testament are thought to have occurred around 50 A.D. According to tradition, Silas was the first bishop of Corinth. Tradition also holds that he died in Macedonia. It is thought that he died between 65-100 A.D.
St. Silas’ Feast Day: July 13th
Why Pray the St. Silas Novena?
St. Silas does not have an official patronage, but he is a great saint to seek intercession from in many circumstances.
Since St. Silas did a lot of important missionary work in the early Church with St. Paul, you can pray this novena if you are a missionary. Or you can pray the St. Silas Novena for someone you know who is a missionary.
You can also pray the St. Silas Novena to seek his intercession for prisoners, since he was imprisoned with St. Paul. Or you can pray this novena if you are being harassed because of your faith, since St. Silas was harassed for his faith while preaching with St. Paul.
You can pray the St. Silas Novena for any intention!
St. Silas Novena Prayers
St. Silas Novena - Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, we know from Scripture that you worked with St. Paul as a missionary for many years. You traveled with him and proclaimed the Gospel. You did a lot of important work as a missionary for the early Church.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that God may bless and assist all missionaries in their important work.
Pray for us, that we may always be eager to preach the Gospel at every opportunity God gives us. Pray that we may serve God worthily each day of our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, you traveled to Thessalonica with Paul and Timothy. There, the three of you were harassed by some traditional Jews because of your preaching. Despite this suffering, you persevered in your faith and in proclaiming the Gospel.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that God may bless and strengthen all who suffer because of their faith.
Pray for us, that we may be courageous in practicing our faith each day, no matter the cost. Pray that we may always persevere in holiness despite any difficulties we might face.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, you traveled with St. Paul and worked with him to preach the Gospel. You were his companion through many difficulties. You also became acquainted with St. Peter, and he wrote that he considered you a faithful brother.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that God may bless us with holy friendships.
Pray for us, that we may always do all we can to bring souls to God at every opportunity. Pray that we may grow in holiness and virtue each day of our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, you did a lot of important missionary work in the early Church. With St. Paul and the other prominent members of the early Church, you worked tirelessly to bring many non-Christians to conversion.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that God may grant all non-Christians the grace of conversion.
Pray for us, that we may be eager to proclaim the Gospel to others at every opportunity we encounter. Pray that we may do all we can to serve God and His Church each day of our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, you were imprisoned with St. Paul in Philippi. When an earthquake freed you and the jailor prepared to take his own life, you and St. Paul showed great love by putting the jailor’s life and his soul above your own freedom.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we and all people may grow to a deeper love of our neighbor.
Pray for us, that we may grow in every virtue we need for holiness. Pray that we may do all things in our lives out of love for God.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, you showed great faith in God as you worked to bring souls to the early Church. Despite the difficulties of persecution and suffering, you placed your faith in God and continued your holy work.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we and all people may grow in the virtue of faith.
Pray for us, that we may do all we can to grow closer to God each day of our lives. Pray that we may advance in holiness and virtue at every opportunity God gives us.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, you experienced many difficulties and trials during your work for the early Church. You were imprisoned and harassed because of your preaching. Despite these sufferings, you persevered in your holy work.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that we may grow in the perseverance we need for holiness.
Pray for us, that we may never allow any obstacles we face to deter us from serving God. Pray that we may do all we can to grow in friendship with God each day of our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, we do not know many specifics about your life. But tradition tells us that you were the first bishop of Corinth. We know that you did a lot of holy work for the early Church and worked to bring many souls to God.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that all bishops may be holy leaders of their flock.
Pray for us, that we may always carry out the duties of our vocation faithfully each day. Pray that we may do all we can to follow God’s will in our lives.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Silas Novena - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for giving us St. Silas as an example of holiness. We ask You to hear the petitions he brings before You on our behalf.
St. Silas, your work was very important for the early Church and for the spread of Christianity. You worked with St. Paul to preach the Gospel and to bring many souls into the Church.
Please take all of our petitions before the throne of God, and we particularly ask today that you pray that the Church may be strong and her members holy.
Pray for us, that we may always be eager to do all we can to serve God and His Church each day. Pray that we may always answer God’s call to serve Him in whatever ways He might call us to.
And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).
St. Silas, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.