How to Pray the St. Andrew Novena

a beautiful way to prepare for Christmas (with free phone wallpaper!)

One of my favorite ways to stay grounded during the busy season of Advent is by praying the St. Andrew Christmas Novena. If you’ve never heard of it before, or if it’s been a while since you’ve prayed it, let me tell you why it’s worth adding to your Advent routine this year.

Yes, it involves saying the same prayer 15 times a day from November 30th (St. Andrew’s Feast) until Christmas Eve. I know that sounds like a lot, but I promise it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. I timed myself, and all 15 prayers only took me four and a half minutes! And there’s something deeply beautiful about creating those moments to pause and focus on the true meaning of the season.

What Is the St. Andrew Christmas Novena?

This prayer tradition has been around for generations. It’s not a novena in the usual sense (it lasts longer than nine days), but its purpose is the same: to bring us closer to God through focused, intentional prayer.

The prayer itself is short and rich in imagery, inviting us to reflect on the moment of Jesus’ birth:

When you pray it 15 times a day, it becomes almost like a heartbeat of your Advent—drawing you closer to God with each repetition.

Why I Love This Prayer

For me, this novena has become a quiet anchor in what can often feel like a hectic season. I love that I can offer it for a specific intention—someone I love, a personal need, or just as a way to grow closer to God. It’s not just a task to check off; it’s a way to pause and invite Jesus into my day.

The repetition might seem intimidating, but I find it soothing. You might like to break up the prayers into smaller chunks—five prayers in the morning, five at lunch, and five before bed works perfectly. I typically pray all 15 during a quiet moment when I can really focus. It’s also amazing how much I notice about the prayer as the days go by—different words or phrases stand out to me, and it feels like God is speaking to me through it.

A Little Help to Stay on Track

To make it easier, I created a phone wallpaper with the prayer on it. Having it right on my screen reminds me to pray throughout the day, and it’s so convenient! You can download it here: St. Andrew Novena Wallpaper

Let’s Do This Together!

This Advent, I invite you to join me in praying the St. Andrew Christmas Novena. It’s such a simple yet powerful way to prepare your heart for Christmas. Whether you’re praying for someone you love, a special intention, or just to stay centered this season, this tradition is a gift.

Let’s make this Advent one to remember. Let Jesus draw you closer. I’ll be praying with you!