Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873–1897), also known as “The Little Flower,” was a Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church. Though she lived a hidden life, her “Little Way” of spiritual childhood—doing ordinary things with extraordinary love and complete trust in God—has inspired millions throughout the world. This novena may be prayed at any time, especially in preparation for her feast on October 1 or whenever seeking her loving intercession.
Opening Prayer (Pray Each Day)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious Saint Thérèse,
Faithful servant of God and beloved Little Flower of Jesus, you discovered that holiness is found not in extraordinary deeds but in loving God with a humble and trusting heart. Through your life of prayer, sacrifice, and joyful confidence in God’s mercy, you became a shining example of Christian holiness.
With confidence in your powerful intercession, I place before you my special intention:
(Mention your intention here.)
If it is according to God’s holy will, obtain for me this grace. Above all, help me to love Jesus more deeply and to follow the “Little Way” of humility, trust, and generous love.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for me.
Day 1 – The Little Way
Dear Saint Thérèse,
You taught that even the smallest acts, when done with great love, are precious in God’s eyes. Help me to perform my daily duties faithfully and joyfully, offering every action as an act of love for Jesus.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, teach me to walk the Little Way of love.
Day 2 – Childlike Trust
Little Flower,
Your complete confidence in God’s loving Fatherhood gave you peace in every circumstance. Help me trust God with the simplicity and confidence of a child, knowing that He always cares for me.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, increase my trust in God’s loving providence.
Day 3 – Humility
Faithful Servant of Christ,
You never sought greatness in the eyes of the world but desired only to please God. Teach me humility so that I may serve others without seeking praise or recognition.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, help me grow in humility.
Day 4 – Love in Ordinary
Life Holy Little Flower,
You found opportunities to love God through the ordinary moments of daily life. Help me recognize that every task, no matter how small, can become an offering of love when done for Christ.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, help me love faithfully in the little things.
Day 5 – Patience in Suffering
Saint Thérèse,
You accepted suffering with remarkable faith and united your trials to Christ’s Cross. During my own difficulties, help me remain patient, trusting that God brings good even from suffering.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, strengthen me to carry my crosses with hope.
Day 6 – Love for the Church
Faithful Daughter of the Church,
You offered your prayers and sacrifices for priests, missionaries, and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. Inspire me to pray faithfully for the Church and to support the mission of Christ in every way I can.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, help me love and serve the Church.
Day 7 – Charity Toward Others
Gentle Saint,
You practiced charity with patience, kindness, and hidden sacrifices. Teach me to forgive readily, speak gently, and serve others with a joyful heart.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, make my heart generous in love.
Day 8 – Hope of Heaven
Little Flower,
You longed for heaven while remaining faithful in your earthly vocation. Help me keep my eyes fixed on eternal life and live each day with hope and joyful expectation of God’s promises.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, help me journey faithfully toward heaven.
Day 9 – Total Surrender to God
Beloved Saint Thérèse,
Today I place my life completely into God’s hands. Teach me to surrender every joy, sorrow, success, and disappointment to His loving will. May I imitate your confidence, simplicity, and wholehearted love for Jesus. Help me become a faithful witness to God’s mercy through the quiet example of a holy life.
Prayer
Saint Thérèse, lead me always to Jesus through the Little Way.
Closing Prayer (Pray Each Day)
O glorious Saint Thérèse,
Thank you for showing the world that true holiness is found in humble trust and faithful love. Through your prayers, obtain for me the grace to live each day with simplicity, confidence, and joyful surrender to God’s will.
Help me to perform even the smallest duties with great love, to persevere in prayer, and to grow in holiness through the ordinary moments of life.
Pray for my family, for the Church, for missionaries, for those who suffer, and for all who seek God’s mercy.
As you promised to spend your heaven doing good upon earth and to let fall a shower of roses, obtain for me the graces that will help me love Christ more perfectly and faithfully serve Him until the end of my life.
May I one day join you in praising the Holy Trinity forever in the joy of heaven.
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Thérèse, Little Flower of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Thérèse, Doctor of the Church, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.