The answer of Novena?

[shanishani7]

Is your prayer always answered short after the Novena?

For example, I prayed the novena about improving relationship with others and finding future spouse. And at the same time, I had a good friend whom I hope can be my partner.

One time I prayed the 27 days novena for finding future spouse, and on the 27th day I got the signal that he stayed away suddenly or did something hurtful. The first time I thought its a coincidence. Then we came closer as good friends again.

After a few months, the second time I prayed the 9 days novena about finding future spouse again (including with this person). We got along very well, then on the 9th and the day after novena (10th), he did something hurtful again and our friendship got worse suddenly.

The first time I thought was the coincidence, but there are 2 times already. Both times seem got the answer on the last day of novena - Is it really the answer of “No”?
or are these just coincidence?

But for the long time, our friendship is improving.

How should we take as an Answer of the Novena? on the Last days of novena or as a “whole picture”? If “No” is the real answer given by God, then I can just leave and save much heartbreaking.

Any comment? When does God usually answer the novena?

Thanks!

 

[RomanoAmerio]

There are numerous Novenas which form a rich part of the treasure-house of Catholic prayer.

Which one are you referring to?

 

[ShrodingersCat]

Novenas are not spells. You cannot do a novena and hope for a clear answer or definitive sign. God will listen but will not do your work for you. You have to discern these things yourself after praying. If you look for signs you will latch on to coincidences.

Sometimes God answers prayers in ways we do not expect. And he doesn’t necessarily answer them straight away.

 

[shanishani7]

Novenas are not spells. You cannot do a novena and hope for a clear answer or definitive sign. God will listen but will not do your work for you. You have to discern these things yourself after praying. If you look for signs you will latch on to coincidences.

Sometimes God answers prayers in ways we do not expect. And he doesn’t necessarily answer them straight away.

Thanks for the reply. I heard that the answer to Novena will be - Yes, No, Wait.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

Is your prayer always answered short after the Novena?

My prayer? No. Very rarely, in fact.

When does God usually answer the novena?

God answers all prayer, not just novenas, when He deems the time is right for us to know His response. Not “usually”—always. Whether or not we then recognize and heed His response, well, that’s another matter.

I heard that the answer to Novena will be - Yes, No, Wait.

In short, yes, but when the answer is revealed is up to the Lord.

As ShrodingersCat mentioned, we have to do our part as well. That part includes prayer, but there’s a lot more to it than that.