Novena for the Electorate Mercy, Respect, Civility
In a contentious political atmosphere, Christians are called to come together and help foster a sense of peace and unity in society. By making time for intentional prayer, we open ourselves to the grace of God, asking for His guidance, wisdom, and the ability to promote civility in public discourse.
The Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, is inviting Catholics across our diocese to unite in prayer in the nine days leading up to the November 5, 2024, General Election. By joining in this Novena, we will help cultivate a spirit of mercy in ourselves and in our communities, praying for compassion, understanding, and respect for one another — especially when opinions differ.
With respect for the sanctity of all human life, our participation in this Novena will remind us of the dignity of every human person and call for society to move forward in a way that reflects peace, justice, charity, and the common good.
This special prayer should be prayed by all the faithful, individually in their homes, at Mass, and at other forms of common prayer in church, throughout the nine days of prayer.
Special events during the Novena
Sunday, October 27; 6:30 p.m.
We welcome all to join in a special prayer service at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter, which is adjacent to the Missouri State Capitol. This service will include Eucharistic exposition, periods of silent prayer, a Rosary, recitation of the Novena prayer, and conclude with benediction.
Join us in Prayer
- October 27 at 3:00 p.m. — Mary Immaculate in Kirksville, Holy Hour
- October 30 at 9:00 a.m. — Sacred Heart in Columbia, Adoration from 9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. followed by Benediction and then Mass at 5:30 p.m.
- November 1 at 9:00 a.m. — St. Mary in Glasgow, 24-hour Adoration until 7:45 a.m. on November 2
- November 3 at 3:00 p.m. — Immaculate Conception in Jefferson City, Holy Hour
- November 3 at 4:30 p.m. — St Patrick in Laurie, Holy Hour
- November 3 at 6:00 p.m. — St. Brendan in Mexico, Holy Hour
- November 4 at 9:05 a.m. — St. Thomas More Newman in Columbia, Holy Hour
- November 4 at 6:00 p.m. — St. Mary in Shelbina, Holy Hour followed by adoration until 8:00 a.m. on November 5
- November 4 at 6:30 p.m. — St. Pius X in Moberly, Holy Hour
- November 5 at 8:00 a.m. — St. Joseph in Salisbury, Mass followed by 24-hour Adoration until 8 a.m. on November 6
- November 5 at 8:30 a.m. — St. Thomas More Newman in Columbia, Holy Hour
Special events during the Novena
Sunday, October 27; 6:30 p.m.
We welcome all to join in a special prayer service at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter, which is adjacent to the Missouri State Capitol. This service will include Eucharistic exposition, periods of silent prayer, a Rosary, recitation of the Novena prayer, and conclude with benediction.
Join us in Prayer
- October 27 at 3:00 p.m. — Mary Immaculate in Kirksville, Holy Hour
- October 30 at 9:00 a.m. — Sacred Heart in Columbia, Adoration from 9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. followed by Benediction and then Mass at 5:30 p.m.
- November 1 at 9:00 a.m. — St. Mary in Glasgow, 24-hour Adoration until 7:45 a.m. on November 2
- November 3 at 3:00 p.m. — Immaculate Conception in Jefferson City, Holy Hour
- November 3 at 4:30 p.m. — St Patrick in Laurie, Holy Hour
- November 3 at 6:00 p.m. — St. Brendan in Mexico, Holy Hour
- November 4 at 9:05 a.m. — St. Thomas More Newman in Columbia, Holy Hour
- November 4 at 6:00 p.m. — St. Mary in Shelbina, Holy Hour followed by adoration until 8:00 a.m. on November 5
- November 4 at 6:30 p.m. — St. Pius X in Moberly, Holy Hour
- November 5 at 8:00 a.m. — St. Joseph in Salisbury, Mass followed by 24-hour Adoration until 8 a.m. on November 6
- November 5 at 8:30 a.m. — St. Thomas More Newman in Columbia, Holy Hour
Pray the Novena
Begin with the daily petition (select the date below or scroll to the current day),
then conclude with the Novena prayer (in the navy sidebar).
Day 1 – Sunday, October 27
For the grace of God’s peace to settle in our hearts and in our communities. May we be peacemakers in a world prone to conflict; that we may listen with open hearts and respond with calm minds. Let God’s peace reign in our homes, in our nation, and in every conversation. May our words and actions be a source of reconciliation.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 2 – Monday, October 28
For our communities and our country, that we may be granted the will to live out God’s mercy, to seek peace, and to uphold the dignity of every human life. Where there has been division, let us seek unity. Where there has been anger, that we may act as peacemakers. Where there has been injury, let forgiveness prevail. May God’s love be the foundation upon which we build trust and cooperation.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 3 – Tuesday, October 29
That we may place our trust in God. We know that He holds the future in His hands. For calm to overcome our anxieties and for confidence that God’s will is being accomplished. May our minds and hearts respond not to fear or anger, but out of love for you and for our neighbor.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 4 – Wednesday, October 30
For our society to embrace a culture of life from conception to natural death. Let our laws reflect the sanctity of every human life, and let our hearts be moved to protect the unborn, the elderly, the poor, the stranger, and all those who are vulnerable. May we always stand as champions for the dignity of every person and promote the flourishing of all.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 5 – Thursday, October 31
For unity among all believers as we bring before God the wounds of discord of our nation. That we may seek the common good, working together for the well-being of all. May we see each other not as opponents, but as fellow pilgrims journeying toward a better future, united in our desire for justice and peace.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 6 – Friday, November 1
For hearts that reflect God’s mercy. May we remember that each person bears God’s image, regardless of differing beliefs. That we may extend grace, not judgment, and compassion, not contempt. Let mercy be the foundation of all our interactions as we strive to see beyond divisions.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 7 – Saturday, November 2
For the strength to speak with kindness and wisdom. In the heat of debate, may we always remember the dignity of every person. Let our conversations be filled with truth, tempered by love, and marked by respect.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 8 – Sunday, November 3
For the wisdom to see what unites us. We are one in the body of Christ. In this time of division and polarization, may we pursue unity, not as conformity, but as the harmony of many voices seeking the common good. May we have the strength to overcome barriers of race, class, and political views, and to build bridges of understanding.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Day 9 – Monday, November 4
For the strength to love our neighbors, especially those with whom we may disagree. May we embody the compassion God shows us, never failing to extend kindness to others. May our words and actions always reflect the mercy that flows from God. Let us always seek to heal rather than wound.
Let us Pray...(Pray the Novena Prayer)
Novena Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
let your Spirit be with us today.
Hear our prayers and increase within us
the will to follow your Son, Jesus.
Help us to draw on the resources of our faith
as we use the opportunities of our democracy
to shape a society more respectful of the life,
dignity, and rights of the human person,
especially the poor and vulnerable.
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ,
Who lives and reigns with you
in the communion of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Resources
Social Media Graphics
Social media graphics for each day's Novena prayer are available for sharing!
Prayer Sheet
Download the PDF of the Novena prayer sheet to pray with each day.
