Christ the King Novena — Pray for Christ’s Reign in Our Hearts and the World
The Christ the King Novena is prayed from November 14 to November 22, leading up to the Feast of Christ the King, which falls on the last Sunday of the liturgical year—this year, on November 23.
This devotion invites us to recognize Jesus Christ as King of the Universe, the One who reigns not through earthly power or riches, but through love, mercy, and truth.
As we pray this novena, we renew our faith in His authority over our lives, our families, and the world, asking that His kingdom of peace and justice may take root in every heart.
Origin and Meaning of the Feast of Christ the King
The Feast of Christ the King was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI through his encyclical Quas Primas.
The Pope established this feast in response to a growing world secularism and the rejection of Christ’s authority in public life.
He wanted to remind all Christians that true peace—both in society and in the soul—can only come when individuals and nations recognize the kingship of Christ.
The feast was originally celebrated in October but was later moved to the final Sunday of Ordinary Time, symbolizing the culmination of God’s plan: when Christ will return in glory and His kingdom will have no end.
Why Pray the Christ the King Novena
Praying this novena helps us reflect on what it truly means for Jesus to be our King and Lord.
It’s a time to surrender our pride, our attachments, and our anxieties, allowing Christ to reign fully in our hearts.
Through these nine days of prayer, we ask:
- That Christ may rule our thoughts and decisions
- That His peace may dwell in our homes and communities
- That the world may return to His law of love and truth
The novena also prepares us spiritually for the new liturgical year, as we transition from Ordinary Time into Advent — moving from proclaiming Christ as King to awaiting Him as a humble child in the manger.
How to Pray the Christ the King Novena
Each day of the novena includes:
- A reflection on Christ’s kingship and mercy
- The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (or a similar prayer acknowledging His reign)
- Optional personal petitions for peace, family needs, or the Church
You can also unite your prayers with the Sacred Heart devotion, since the two are closely connected — both celebrate the love and sovereignty of Christ.
The Prayer
Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
I pray that You will reign in my mind.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
I pray that You will reign in my mind.
I pray that You will reign in my heart.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
I pray that You will reign in my mind.
I pray that You will reign in my heart.
I pray that You will reign in my will.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
I pray that You will reign in my mind.
I pray that You will reign in my heart.
I pray that You will reign in my will.
I pray that You will reign in my body.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
I pray that You will reign in my mind.
I pray that You will reign in my heart.
I pray that You will reign in my will.
I pray that You will reign in my body.
I pray that You will reign throughout all the world.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
I pray that You will reign in my mind.
I pray that You will reign in my heart.
I pray that You will reign in my will.
I pray that You will reign in my body.
I pray that You will reign throughout all the world.
I pray that You will reign in every area of my life.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Promises and Spiritual Fruits
Those who sincerely pray the Christ the King Novena with faith and devotion often experience:
- Greater peace of heart and detachment from worldly concerns
- Renewal of love for the Eucharist and the Church
- Strength to live as true disciples of Christ, obedient to His will
As Pope Pius XI wrote in Quas Primas:
“When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.”
