View source for Prayer:St. Ambrose Novena

The St. Ambrose Novena is a nine-day prayer invoking the intercession of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church, known as the "Honey Tongued Doctor" for his eloquent preaching. This novena is often prayed from November 28 or 29 to December 6 or 7, leading to his feast day on December 7. It is popular among beekeepers, students, and the faithful seeking wisdom, faith, and protection. The novena includes the Prayer of St. Ambrose (Before Mass), an introductory prayer, a concluding prayer, and traditional prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be).

=== Day 1 ===
''In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.''

'''Introductory Prayer'''

O God, in whose Providence and Protection we share in the pursuit of Truth, reveal to us your beloved Son, the Incarnate Word of God, through the discernment and purity of the Holy Spirit, and enlighten our minds to serve you all the days of our lives. We ask this through the merits of Ambrose, the spiritual father of Augustine, that he may lead us to Perfect Knowledge and Perfect Love. Amen.

'''Prayer of St. Ambrose (Before Mass)'''

Lord Jesus Christ, I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth, but only on your goodness and mercy. I am defiled by many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek your protection, I look for your healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to you, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear your judgment, but I trust in your salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to you and uncover my shame before you. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, but I hope in your mercies, for they cannot be numbered. Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man, crucified for mankind, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in you. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of your compassion never ends. Praise to you, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, Lord, your creature, whom you have redeemed with your blood; I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies. May your body and blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to you and profitable to my health in body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies. Amen.

'''Concluding Prayer'''

Holy St. Ambrose, you are known as the Honey Tongued Doctor because of your ability to help others learn the truth of Christianity. God blessed you with faith, understanding, and the great ability to preach the sweet words of the Gospel. We invoke your powerful intercession, confident in the hope that you will hear our prayers and obtain for us abundant special graces from our heavenly Father. Pray for us, that we will always seek truth. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. St. Ambrose of Milan, pray for us!

''In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.''

=== Notes for Days 2–9 ===
Repeat the same structure daily, with the Introductory Prayer and Prayer of St. Ambrose remaining constant.

The Concluding Prayer varies slightly each day, focusing on different intentions, such as:
* Day 2: "Pray for us, that we will have the grace to put our knowledge to use in building the kingdom of God on Earth."
* Day 3: "Pray for us, that we may be encouraged when studies are difficult and when we are tempted to give up."
* Day 4: "Pray for us, that our eyes and hearts will be opened to Your Presence."
* Day 5: "Pray for us, that we may be able to grasp the truth when it is held out to us."
* Day 6: "Pray for us, that we will be more open to listening and learning during the Holy Mass and in prayer."
* Day 7: "Pray for us, that we may know how to find You and love You in all the things you have made."
* Day 8: "Pray for us, that we will continue to learn every day of our lives no matter what the subject may be."
* Day 9: "Pray for us, that we may glorify God in the pursuit of our mission to assist others in faith and learning."

Each day concludes with: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and "St. Ambrose of Milan, pray for us!"
{{Prayer
|Name=St. Ambrose Novena
|Author=Unknown
|Purpose=Intercession,Petition
|Recipient=[[Saint Ambrose]]
|LiturgicalContext=General Devotion
|PrayerType=Novena
|Origin=Patristic,Modern
}}