First Eucharist Novena
Dear Friends,
Here is a novena that you can use to pray for the children in our community who are preparing to receive their first Eucharist. I hope that praying this novena will be a meaningful experience for everyone.
You can begin this novena ten days before students receive their first Eucharist. You may wish to conclude each day’s prayer with a favorite hymn.
May God bless our community and all those helping to prepare these students in a special way!
Day 1: Love
Jesus said, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35)
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next nine days those students who are going to receive your Son, Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus, you were always kind and loving to others. Please help us to follow your example.
Jesus, I believe in you.
Jesus, I hope in you.
Jesus, I love you.
Come, Lord Jesus, make your home in my heart.
Practice: Tomorrow, remember to tell Jesus often how much we love Him and show Him how much we love Him by being kind to everyone we meet.
Day 2: Sacrifice
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next eight days those students who are going to receive your Son, Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Be with us tonight, Jesus, as we remember the gift you gave us at the Last Supper - the gift of yourself. Tomorrow, may we be united with you in your sacrifice of yourself on the Cross. Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us.
Practice: Tomorrow, all day, we will cheerfully offer little sacrifices as gifts of love to God to be like Jesus.
Day 3: Pray
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours. . . “ (John 17:9)
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next seven days those students who are going to receive your Son, Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus, we remember your hours of prayer at the Last Supper, in the Garden, and on the Cross. We unite ourselves with you in silent prayer. My Lord and my God!
Practice: Tomorrow, we will pray for ourselves and others that we may be more like Jesus.
Day 4: Joy
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24)
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next six days those students who are going to receive your Son, Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lord. Jesus, you were always so kind to everyone. Your smile touched the hearts of many people. They loved to be with you all the time.
Practice: Tomorrow, we will try to bring happiness to others by smiling and doing things cheerfully.
Day 5: Praise
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next five days those students who are going to receive your Son, Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
We celebrate your Resurrection, Lord. Give us a peaceful night so that tomorrow we will rise again to praise you with joy.
I praise you, O my God and King.
I will bless your name forever and ever.
How great you are and wonderful!
(adapted from Psalm 145)
Practice: Tomorrow, we will offer prayers of praise to our risen Savior and ask for our faith in Jesus to be strengthened.
Day 6: Help
Jesus said, “[Y]our light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16)
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next four days those students who are going to receive your Son in the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus, we read in the Gospels of the many ways you helped others, either by your words or your actions. We long for you Christ!
Practice: Tomorrow, we will try to imitate the example of Jesus by giving a helping hand to someone in need.
Day 7: Serve
God our Father sent Jesus to show us the way of service. He showed his love every minute of the day.
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next three days those students who are going to receive your Son in the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus, you are gentle and humble of heart. Accept the works and prayers of this day and grant us the rest we need to serve you better tomorrow.
Practice: Tomorrow, we will be attentive to the needs of each member of our family (at home, at school, at work, etc.) and try to help others before being asked.
Day 8: Give
What can I give, as poor as I am? I can give Jesus my heart.
God our Father, help prepare especially over the next two days those students who are going to receive your Son in the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus, you gave of your time, your heart, and yourself always and everywhere. Please help us to be more aware of the times we could be more giving. May we always love and serve you.
Practice: Tomorrow, we will give our hearts in loving, give our time in doing, and give of ourselves in being happy children of the risen Lord.
Day 9: Thanks
“Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever. . . “ (1 Chronicles 16:34)
God our Father, be with us tomorrow in a special way as we thank you for preparing those students who are going to receive your Son, Jesus, in the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus, we thank you for calling us together and forming us into a family of believers. May we show by our lives our thankfulness. We praise you, we bless you, and we thank you!
Practice: Tomorrow, we will say words of thankfulness to God and all who have helped us.
Day 10: Holy Communion
Taste and see how good the LORD is. (adapted from Psalm 34:9)
Jesus, the day we have been waiting for is here. Come, Lord Jesus, come."
Lord, please grant your special graces and blessings to the students receiving their first Eucharist tonight, tomorrow, and always.
Come Lord Jesus, make your home in my heart. Amen.