Nine days of prayer
Santa Muerte novena
The Santa Muerte novena is nine days of prayer in a row, each with its own theme. You pray at the same time each day, in front of a candle, and finish on the ninth day by giving thanks. Here is how to prepare and the prayer for each day.
How to pray the Santa Muerte novena
- Choose a time. Pray at the same time every day, ideally at night and in a quiet place.
- Prepare a simple space. An image or prayer card of Santa Muerte, a candle and a glass of water are enough. Add flowers if you like.
- Follow the order for each day. Opening prayer, reflection, the prayer of the day, your request in silence, three Our Fathers if that is your custom, and the closing prayer.
- Don't skip days. It is customary that if the novena is interrupted, you start again from the first day.
- Give thanks at the end. The ninth day is for gratitude, whether or not what you asked for has arrived.
The nine days
- 1Day 1: The arrivalComing before her with humility
- 2Day 2: ForgivenessLetting go of what weighs on you
- 3Day 3: HealthBody and spirit
- 4Day 4: TruthSeeing clearly
- 5Day 5: JusticeThe scales
- 6Day 6: ProtectionThe mantle that covers us
- 7Day 7: Work and livelihoodOur daily bread
- 8Day 8: Home and familyThose who wait for us
- 9Day 9: Love and gratitudeClosing the path
Prayers repeated every day
Opening prayer
Most Holy Death, White Girl, here I am before you.
I light this candle as a sign that I come with an open heart.
I bring you nothing but what I am: my weariness, my doubts and my faith.
You who make no difference between the rich and the poor,
you who wait for everyone with the same patience,
receive me during these nine days of prayer.
May every night I spend before you leave me a little more at peace.
So be it.
Closing prayer
Most Holy Death, thank you for listening to me one more night.
I leave in your hands what I have asked of you, knowing that your time is not mine.
Watch over those I love, those who are far away and those who have already passed.
When my hour comes, may you find me at peace and with nothing left unsettled.
Until tomorrow, my Lady.
So be it.
Looking for a specific request? See the Santa Muerte prayers for protection, love, health and work.