Novena Prayer to the Mother of Perpetual Help

This prayer to the Mother of Perpetual Help (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) is widely used in novenas: the author and copyright status are unknown. It is inspired by a 15th century icon.

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Mother of Perpetual Help, with the greatest confidence we come before your holy picture to be inspired by the example of your life.

We think of you at that moment when, full of faith and trust, you accepted God’s call to be the mother of his Son.

Help us, your children, to accept with joy our own calling in life.

When you learned that your cousin Elizabeth was in need you immediately went to serve her and offer your help. Help us, like you, to be concerned for others.

We think of you, Mother, at the foot of the cross. Your heart must have bled to see your Son in agony.

But your joy was great when he rose from the dead, victorious over the powers of evil.
Mother of Sorrows, help us through the trials and disappointments of life. Help us not to lose heart.

May we share with you and your Son the joy of having courageously faced up to all the challenges of life.

Amen