Do you know that we are often desperate to seek answers and solutions when we are facing difficulties in our life. Too many times, we can’t wait for God to send us help in our most desperate situations. And when this situations come in our life, we only think of one thing: storm the heavens with our prayers

Bro. Vito, a capuchin Postulant reposted from an original article published in 1947 by two capuchin friars about the background of the Storm Novena:

A Storm Novena consists of nine visits to the Blessed Sacrament in one day, praying on one’s knees, and with outstretched arms, to obtain a speedy and unfailing answer to prayer.

The Franciscan sisters mentioned above, define it in these terms: “Storm” means a sudden, forceful assault in the shape of ardent prayers on heaven at the throne of our divine Lord, so that he(sic) will take immediate note and answer them readily. One, so to say, storms heaven with implicit confidence, in accordance with the Gospel story recorded in Saint Luke 11:5-13, which reads:

“Let us suppose that one of you has a friend to whom he goes at the dead of night, and asks him, ‘Lend me three loaves of bread, neighbor. A friend of mine has turned in to me after a journey, and I have nothing to offer him.’ And suppose the other answers from within the doors, ‘Do not put me to such trouble; the door is locked, my children and I are in bed; I cannot bestir myself to grant the request.’ I tell you, even if he will not bestir himself to grant it out of friendship, shameless asking will make him rise and give his friend all that he needs. And I say the same to you; knock, and the door shall be opened for you. Everyone that asks, will receive; that seeks, will find; that knocks, will have the door opened to him. Among yourselves, if a father is asked by his son for bread will he give him a stone? Or for a fish, will he give him a snake instead of a fish? Why then, if you, evil as you are, know well enough how to give your children what is good for them, is not your Father much more ready to give, from heaven, his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” Thus man has power over God”.

It is performed on our knees to indicate our total helplessness and dependence on God; with extended arms – similar to Moses, who, as long as he prayed with extended arms, sustained his army in fighting successfully; then also to remind the heavenly Father of his divine Son on the cross – in virtue of which all our prayers have their power, whether they be expiation, reconciliation, adoration, or pleadings for help. Praying with extended arms was a favorite manner of prayer employed by Saint Francis of Assisi in memory of our crucified savior.

So How Do We Say The Storm Novena?

The first visit is always introduced by an act of Perfect Contrition:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

To which are then added the following invocations at each visit:

1. O Sacred Heart of Jesus –
have mercy on us and grant us our request.

2. Our Lady of Perpetual Help –
pray for us and obtain our request.

3. The Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother! To thee I come, before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

4. Saint Joseph, Friend of the Sacret Heart –
pray for us and obtain our request.

5. Saint Jude –
pray for us and obtain our request.

6. Saint Anthony –
pray for us and obtain our request.

7. Saint Conrad –
pray for us and obtain our request.

8. Saint Benedict [the Moor] –
pray for us and obtain our request.

9. Saint Roch –
pray for us and obtain our request.

10. Saint Dominic and Saint Francis –
pray for us and obtain our request.

11. Saint Theresa, Little Flower of Jesus –
pray for us and obtain our request.

12. Ye Blessed Martyrs of Uganda –
pray for us and obtain our request.

13. Saint Martin de Porres –
pray for us and obtain our request.

14. All Ye Holy Angels and Saints –
pray for us and obtain our request.

So the next time you need a 911 for your problems, visit the blessed sacrament 9 times in one day reciting the prayer above with all sincerity and humility, and storm the heavens with your prayers.