Prayer to saint mary magdalene: an essential, complete guide
prayer to saint mary magdalene
If you are seeking a companion in faith who understands repentance, courage, and steadfast love for Christ, a prayer to saint mary magdalene can be a powerful and consoling devotion. Known in Christian tradition as the faithful disciple who stood by the Cross and was the first to meet the risen Lord, Saint Mary Magdalene has long been associated with healing, conversion, and bold witness. This guide explains what the devotion involves, how to practise it thoughtfully, and offers practical examples to help you pray with confidence.
Whether you are new to this devotion or revisiting it after many years, the aim here is simple: to show how a prayer to saint mary magdalene can deepen your relationship with God, strengthen your hope, and encourage you to live as a witness to the Resurrection in everyday life.
What is prayer to saint mary magdalene?
At its heart, a prayer to saint mary magdalene is a request for her intercession—asking a trusted friend in heaven to pray with and for you before God. In Christian practice, we worship God alone. When we pray with the saints, we do not worship them; rather, we honour their example and ask for their help, just as we might ask a wise friend to pray for us. Saint Mary Magdalene is an especially meaningful companion for those seeking forgiveness, inner healing, and a renewed zeal for Christ.
Because she is remembered for her faithfulness at the Cross and her joyful proclamation of the Resurrection, a prayer to saint mary magdalene often focuses on courage, gratitude, and the grace to follow Jesus closely. Many people turn to her when overcoming shame, moving through grief, or learning to speak of God’s work in their lives with humility and clarity.
Who is Saint Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene appears in all four Gospels as a devoted follower of Jesus. She accompanies him during his public ministry, is present at the Crucifixion, and is the first recorded witness of the Resurrection, tasked by Christ to “go and tell” the apostles what she has seen. This is why tradition honours her as “apostle to the apostles”. For an accessible overview of her life and significance in Scripture and history, see Encyclopaedia Britannica’s profile of Mary Magdalene.
In 2016, the Vatican elevated her liturgical celebration from a memorial to a feast, emphasising her exemplary discipleship and missionary witness. You can read the official decree, “Apostolorum Apostola”, on the Holy See’s website: Vatican decree on the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. This recognition highlights why many find a prayer to saint mary magdalene helpful: she models a love for Christ that is persevering, grateful, and outward-looking.
In devotion, she is associated with themes such as repentance, healing, deliverance from fear, and the courage to bear witness. Artists often depict her holding a jar of ointment, recalling her care for Christ and her readiness to honour him. Her feast day is celebrated on 22 July.
How to begin a prayer to saint mary magdalene
A prayer to saint mary magdalene does not have to be complicated. What matters is sincerity, a clear intention, and openness to God’s grace. If it helps, keep these steps in mind:
- Find a quiet place and gently settle your thoughts. Take a few slow breaths.
- Set your intention. Name the grace you seek—healing from past wounds, courage to witness, freedom from shame, or perseverance in love.
- Begin by addressing God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—acknowledging his presence and mercy.
- Ask Saint Mary Magdalene to intercede for you, as a faithful disciple and friend, and state your intention simply.
- Speak to God in your own words. Be honest, brief or long as needed, and do not be afraid to pause in silence.
- Conclude with a traditional prayer, such as the traditional Our Father, a Glory Be, or a prayer of thanksgiving.
- If you wish, read a short Gospel passage about Mary Magdalene (for example, John 20:11–18) and sit with a few words that stand out.
Some find it helpful to light a candle, keep an image or icon nearby, or mark the devotion by praying more intentionally on Fridays (recalling the Passion) or on 22 July, her feast. However you begin, the goal of a prayer to saint mary magdalene is to draw closer to Christ through the example and intercession of his devoted disciple.
Sample texts: a short prayer to saint mary magdalene, a novena, and intentions
Many people like to keep a few written texts to hand, especially if they are new to the devotion. Feel free to adapt the following to your circumstances and voice. A prayer to saint mary magdalene should be sincere rather than perfect.
A short prayer to saint mary magdalene
Lord Jesus Christ, you revealed your risen life first to Mary Magdalene and sent her to proclaim your joy. Through her intercession, grant me the grace to cling to you with a faithful heart and to let go of all that draws me away from your love. Saint Mary Magdalene, steadfast at the Cross and fearless in witness, pray for my healing, my courage, and my hope. Help me to speak truth with kindness, to serve with humility, and to trust your mercy each day. Amen.
Novena prayer to saint mary magdalene
A novena is a nine-day period of prayer that focuses on a specific intention. You can begin any time, though many start or end around 22 July. Each day, pray the following and add your own petitions:
“Merciful Lord, as I remember the faithful love of Saint Mary Magdalene, I ask for the grace to be renewed in mind and heart. Through her prayers, free me from fear and shame, and make me a true witness to your Resurrection. Saint Mary Magdalene, friend of Jesus and herald of his Good News, intercede for me and for these intentions (name them). May I persevere in love and share your joy with others. Amen.”
Common intentions people bring to a novena prayer to saint mary magdalene include:
- Healing from past sins and the grace to start afresh
- Strength to bear witness to faith in family and work
- Freedom from discouragement or self-criticism
- Support for those who feel judged, misunderstood, or cast aside
- Guidance for ministries of mercy and reconciliation
Litany-style prayer to saint mary magdalene
Leader: Saint Mary Magdalene, faithful disciple of the Lord,
Response: Pray for us.
Leader: You who stood at the Cross with steadfast love,
Response: Pray for us.
Leader: First witness of the Resurrection, apostle to the apostles,
Response: Pray for us.
Leader: Example of conversion, courage, and compassion,
Response: Pray for us.
Leader: Friend to those burdened by shame and fear,
Response: Pray for us.
Leader: That we may cling to Christ and proclaim his joy,
Response: Pray for us.
Conclude with your own intention and a simple prayer to saint mary magdalene in your own words.
When to use a prayer to saint mary magdalene
You can turn to this devotion at any time, but many find a prayer to saint mary magdalene particularly helpful:
- When seeking a fresh start or the courage to confess and move forward
- During seasons of grief or loss, to remain close to the Cross
- When preparing to share your faith story with sensitivity and clarity
- In support of those who feel overlooked or unfairly judged
- On her feast day (22 July) or during Eastertide, when the Resurrection is a central theme
By associating your intentions with moments from her life—standing by Christ in suffering, meeting him in the garden, carrying news of hope—you ground the prayer in Scripture and let her witness shape your own.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
As with any devotion, there are a few pitfalls to avoid. First, remember that all prayer centres on God. A prayer to saint mary magdalene is a request for her prayers, not a substitute for worship. Keep the focus on Christ and on the grace you seek from him. Secondly, avoid rushing or treating prayer as a mere checklist. Slow down, speak honestly, and allow time for silence. Thirdly, be open to change. If you ask for courage or healing, consider what small action you can take today to cooperate with that grace. Fourthly, stay rooted in Scripture and the Church’s life of prayer—Sunday worship, the sacraments, and works of mercy give your devotion strength and balance. Finally, do not forget gratitude. Make a habit of thanking God when prayers are answered, and even when the answer is “not yet”.
Integrating the devotion into daily life
Consistency matters more than intensity. You might set aside five minutes each morning for a brief prayer to saint mary magdalene, or mark one evening a week for a longer time of reflection. If you keep a journal, jot down a word or phrase from your prayer and any practical step you feel prompted to take. Connecting your devotion with the liturgical year can also help; for background on Holy Week and the journey to Easter, you may appreciate this reflection on Palm Sunday.
Some people choose a concrete act to express their prayer—for example, a weekly phone call to encourage someone, volunteering with a ministry of hospitality, or anonymously supporting a person in need. Such acts are a natural outflow of a prayer to saint mary magdalene, which is at its best when it leads to love-in-action.
Recommended external resources
- Official Vatican decree elevating the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Mary Magdalene — biography, feast, and significance
- Wikipedia: Mary Magdalene — scriptural references and historical tradition
Frequently asked questions about prayer to saint mary magdalene
How often should I say a prayer to saint mary magdalene?
There is no fixed rule. Many find a short daily prayer helpful, with a slightly longer time set aside weekly. If you are undertaking a novena, pray once a day for nine days, keeping your intention consistent.
What intentions suit a prayer to saint mary magdalene?
Common intentions include healing from past sins, freedom from shame, courage to witness to your faith, and support for those who feel misjudged. You can also pray for friends and family, or for ministries that accompany people towards reconciliation and hope.
Is there a biblical basis for a prayer to saint mary magdalene?
Yes. The devotion flows from her role in the Gospels as a close disciple of Jesus, present at the Cross and first to announce the Resurrection (e.g., John 20:11–18). Her example of steadfast love and witness provides a scriptural foundation for asking her intercession.
Can I use a prayer to saint mary magdalene in a group setting?
Absolutely. You can pray together using a short litany or a simple novena text, allowing time for silent prayer and shared intentions. Keep the tone respectful, Christ-centred, and sensitive to personal boundaries.
What traditional prayers pair well with this devotion?
Short, familiar prayers complement this devotion well—such as the Our Father, Glory Be, or a brief act of contrition and thanksgiving. If you would like to revisit the words, see a clear guide to the Our Father.
When is the best time to begin a novena prayer to saint mary magdalene?
Many start nine days before 22 July, her feast day, or choose any nine-day period that fits their needs. The important part is consistency and a sincere intention.
