A novena is a form of devotional prayer consisting of nine consecutive days of prayer for a specific intention. The word comes from the Latin 'novem' (nine). It originates from the nine days the Apostles and Mary spent in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Popular novenas include: the Novena to the Sacred Heart, the Novena to St. Jude (patron of lost causes), the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Christmas Novena (December 16-24), and the Divine Mercy Novena (Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday). Novenas can be prayed at any time for any intention. They build spiritual discipline and deepen trust in God's timing.