St. Barnabas Novena Prayers

St. Barnabas, revered as a key figure in early Christianity, is celebrated for his role as a companion to the Apostle Paul and his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of the Gospel.

About St. Barnabas

St. Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was closely associated with Saint Paul—he introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles—and served as a kind of mediator between the former persecutor and the still suspicious Jewish Christians.

When a Christian community developed at Antioch, Barnabas was sent as the official representative of the church of Jerusalem to incorporate them into the fold. He and Paul instructed in Antioch for a year, after which they took relief contributions to Jerusalem.

Later Paul and Barnabas, now clearly seen as charismatic leaders, were sent by Antioch officials to preach to the gentiles. Enormous success crowned their efforts. After a miracle at Lystra, the people wanted to offer sacrifice to them as gods—Barnabas being Zeus, and Paul, Hermes—but the two said, “We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God” (see Acts 14:8-18).

But all was not peaceful. They were expelled from one town, they had to go to Jerusalem to clear up the ever-recurring controversy about circumcision, and even the best of friends can have differences.

When Paul wanted to revisit the places they had evangelized, Barnabas wanted to take along his cousin John Mark, author of the Gospel, but Paul insisted that since Mark had deserted them once, he was not fit to take along now.

The disagreement that followed was so sharp that Barnabas and Paul separated: Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus, Paul taking Silas to Syria. Later they were reconciled—Paul, Barnabas and Mark.

When Paul stood up to Peter for not eating with gentiles for fear of his Jewish friends, we learn that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (see Galatians 2:1-13).

Why Pray the St. Barnabas Novena?

Praying the St. Barnabas Novena can be a powerful way to seek guidance, intercession, and strength in faith. St. Barnabas is known for his role as a peacemaker and encourager, making this novena particularly meaningful for those facing challenges, seeking reconciliation, or desiring to grow in their spiritual journey.

It offers a focused time of prayer and reflection, allowing believers to deepen their connection to God and the teachings of the Church through the example of St. Barnabas.

Novena to St. Barnabas is a nine-day prayer experience designed to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationship with God, and seek the powerful intercession of St. Barnabas.

You can pray the St. Barnabas Novena for any intention!

St. Barnabas Novena Day 1

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God our Father,
You filled Saint Barnabas with faith
and the Holy Spirit
and sent him to convert the nations.
Help us to proclaim the gospel by word and deed.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever. Amen