Pro-Life Novena

La Visitation by Philippe de Champaigne

From a pamphlet published (with a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur) by Youth for Life, an Austrian organization:

First day: For the recognition of man in the image of God

God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Gen. 1:27)

Let us pray. Eternal Father, You have created man in Your own image and breathed into him an immortal soul. You Son has offered up His life for the salvation of each on of us. Grant that the world may recognize that You are the origin and ground of human dignity. For Your sake, may they come to love, honor and protect the life of every human being -- from the first moment of their conception until their natural death. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Second day: For the recognition of the family as the basic unit of society

And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:17)

Let us pray. Eternal Father, You have chosen the Holy Family as a sanctuary for the Incarnation of Your Son. Strengthen our families in faith and in the unity of hearts. Grant to married couples the grace to help each other on their path toward sanctity. Let them recognize and accept children as Your gift. Let them be models of virtue for their children, so that the family may be the dwelling place of a culture of life and of love. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Third day: For the protection of each human life

The Lord said to Cain, 'Where is Abel you brother?' He said, 'I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?' (Gen. 4:9)

Let us pray. Eternal Father You have sent us the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete and Intercessor. We pray for all those who struggle with the temptation to have their child aborted, to commit suicide or to comply with the killing of another person. Grant them the grace to choose life and help them to find people that are willing to accompany them on this path. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Fourth day: For those who serve the sick

When he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 

(Luke 10: 33-34)

 Let us pray. Eternal Father, Your Son has sent His disciples to heal the sick. We pray for all doctors and nurses. Grant them the light of the Holy Spirit, so that they may recognize their work as a service to life. Grant them the strength to fulfill their task with uncompromising love. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Fifth day: For those with responsibility in public life

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

(Romans 15:1)

Let us pray. Eternal Father, You have sent your Son as the true Teacher and Master. Fill the hearts of politicians, journalists and scientists with Your Spirit. Lead them to respect each human life and keep them from the temptation to injure or destroy it, so that they may serve life through their work. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Sixth day: For those who hold office in the Church

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 

(Matthew 5:13)

Let us pray. Eternal Father, through Your Son You have commissioned the Apostles to sanctify, teach and govern the Church. We pray for the Holy Father, for all bishops, priests and deacons, Grant then the strength to render an unmistakable, fearless and authentic testimony to the gospel of life and to serve Christ in the least of their brethren.  We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Seventh day: For those most in need of forgiveness and healing

Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are not. (Jeremiah 31:15) 

Let us pray. Eternal Father, You have sent Your Son to call not the just but sinners. We pray for all those who are guilty of abortion, euthanasia or other crimes against the dignity of the human person, as well as for all mothers and fathers who suffer from the effects of an abortion. Grant them the grace of conversion and penance. Heal their wounded souls and let the find the peace that the world cannot give, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Eighth day: For those who do not recognize  them meaning of old age and suffering

Lord, now let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled. (Luke 2:29)

Let us pray. Eternal Father, through His death on the Cross Your Son has reconciled the world to Himself. We pray for those who disregard the life of the elderly, the sick and the weak. Turn their eyes to Christ crucified. Let the sick, their relatives, doctors and nurses recognize the meaning of suffering. Grant them the strength to bear it in unity with Christ. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Ninth day: For the dead

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is you sting? 

(1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Let us pray. Eternal Father, in Your merciful love You desire to draw all souls to Yourself. Welcome those children killed though abortion. Have mercy on all the departed, especially those guilty of the death of their neighbors. Forgive them their sins and receive them into Your kingdom. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

After each day of the novena:

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Christ hear us.

    Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world

God the Holy Spirit

Holy Trinity, One God

Jesus, conceived of the Holy Spirit

Jesus, born in the stable of Bethlehem

Jesus, who have born our guilt

Holy Mary, pray for us

Mother of the Redeemer

Mother of Life

Mother of Mercy

Queen conceived without original sin

Queen of families 

Queen of peace

Saint Michael the Archangel, you have defeated the powers of darkness, pray for us

Saint Gabriel the Archangel, you have proclaimed the Incarnation of God

Saint Raphael the Archangel, companion on all our paths

All Holy Angles

Holy Guardian Angles

Saint John the Baptist, sanctified in the womb by the Child Jesus

Saint Joseph

Spouse of the Mother of God

Foster father of the Son of God

Head of the Holy Family

Patron of all fathers

Saint Anne, patron of pregnant women

Saint Paul, Apostle of faith

Saint Jude Thaddeus, helper in difficult cases

Saint Luke, patron of doctors

Holy Innocents of Bethlehem

Saint Maximus, patron of newborn infants

Saint Nicholas, patron of children
Saint John Bosco, apostle of youth
Saint Maria Goretti, martyr of purity
Saint Agnes, patron of young women
Saint Monica, patron of wives
Saint Rita, patron of families
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, hero of maternal love

Saint Gerard Majella, helper of childbearing mothers
Saint Anthony of Padua, patron of the elderly
Saint Stanislaus Kostka, patron of the dying
Saint John of God, patron of nurses
Saint Vincent de Paul, patron of hospitals
Saint Albert, patron of science and research
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron of the media
Saint Thomas More, patron of politicians
Saint Therese, patron of missions
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, witness to the dignity of every human being

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be