A novena is a devotion prayed over nine days or nine prayer occasions, often for an intention or in preparation for a feast. It is an invitation to perseverance and trust in God.
A little more context
A novena is not a bargain that obliges God to produce a requested outcome. A missed day does not cause a curse or make you unworthy of prayer. Devotional customs support the Christian life and should lead toward the Church’s worship, not replace it.
A practical beginning
Choose a novena, read its introduction and decide when you will pray. Keep the intention simple and avoid adding so many devotions that prayer becomes an anxious task. If you miss a day, resume with trust.
Source & further reading
Catechism 1674–1676: the place of popular devotions (opens in a new tab)↗Teaching summaries are introductions. Follow the linked Church source for its fuller context.
Source & further reading
USCCB: a nine-day novena example (opens in a new tab)↗Teaching summaries are introductions. Follow the linked Church source for its fuller context.