Surrender Novena
The Surrender Novena is based on the writings of Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo, a priest of Naples who suffered illness, misunderstanding and long trials. St. Padre Pio is reported to have sent people to him for spiritual direction. The novena centers on trust: giving Jesus the problem and letting him handle it. The reflections below are written in our own words.
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Key takeaways
- The core prayer is one line: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!"
- It was written by Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970), a priest from Naples.
- It is prayed for nine days, with the line repeated ten times each day.
The prayer for every day
O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!
(Say this line ten times each day, slowly, after reading the day's reflection.)
Day by day
1Why worry?
Hand over the worry you carry most often.
Notice the worry that keeps returning, name it to Jesus, and stop trying to solve it alone. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
2Let go of the plan
Release your need to control how things turn out.
Offer Jesus your plan and the outcome you think is best. Ask him to do what is truly good. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
3Trust with a hard situation
Give Jesus a problem that looks impossible.
Describe the situation to him honestly, without dressing it up. Leave it with him. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
4Surrender those you love
Entrust family and friends who worry you.
Name each person. Admit that you cannot save them, and that he can. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
5Surrender your health
Bring your body, illness and fears to Jesus.
Place any illness, pain or fear in his hands. Ask for healing, or for strength to carry the cross. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
6Surrender work and money
Trust God with your provision.
Give him your job, bills and the things you are afraid to lose. Do your part and leave the rest. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
7Surrender the past
Hand over regrets, sins and old hurts.
Bring what you cannot undo. Ask for his mercy, and forgive where you need to. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
8Surrender the future
Release fear of what is coming.
Tell him what you dread and ask for daily bread, not a map. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
9Rest in him
Stay in peace, whatever happens.
Sit in silence for a few minutes. Thank him in advance and rest. Then say: "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" (ten times)
Closing prayer
Surrender is not passivity. It means doing what is yours to do and trusting Jesus with the rest.
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Start praying with Rosary & MercyQuestions people ask
Who was Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo?
A priest from Naples (1882-1970) known for his writings and years of suffering. The Church opened his cause for beatification, and he has the title Servant of God.
Is the Surrender Novena approved by the Church?
It is a private devotion, not a liturgical prayer. Its message of trust fits Catholic teaching on abandonment to Divine Providence (CCC 305-308).
Does surrender mean I should do nothing?
No. Jesus tells us not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34), but we still act responsibly. Surrender means trusting him with outcomes we cannot control.
Why say the line ten times?
It is the traditional form of the devotion. Slow repetition helps the mind settle, as in the Rosary and the Jesus Prayer.
Keep praying
Sources: Matthew 6:25-34 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 305-308, 2115 · Writings of Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo