St. Nicholas has been trusted by parents for more than sixteen hundred years. He was a bishop who gave in secret, protected the vulnerable, and became the patron of children, sailors, bakers, and brides. His feast on December 6 falls right in the middle of Advent, which makes him a wonderful companion on the road to Christmas.
Here are two of our favorite prayers to St. Nicholas, one for your own heart and one for your children. Both are on beautiful laminated prayer cards with Italian artwork, if you'd like to keep them in a missal, a wallet, or your child's backpack.
Prayer to St. Nicholas
O good St. Nicholas, you who are the joy of the children, put in my heart the spirit of childhood of which the Gospel speaks, and teach me to sow happiness around me.
You, whose feast prepares us for Christmas, open my faith to the mystery of God made man.
You, good bishop and shepherd, help me to find my place in the Church, and inspire the Church to be faithful to the Gospel.
O good St. Nicholas, patron of children, sailors, and the helpless, watch over those who pray to Jesus, your Lord and theirs, as well as over those who humble themselves before you. Bring us all in reverence to the Holy Child of Bethlehem, where true joy and peace are found. Amen.
We love how this prayer asks for the spirit of childhood. Jesus told us we can't enter the Kingdom unless we become like little children (Matthew 18:3). It's a good prayer for grown-ups who are tired and busy in December, which is most of us.
A Prayer for Children Through St. Nicholas
God our Father, we pray that through the intercession of St. Nicholas you will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy of your sight. Give them strength to keep their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This one is short enough to pray at the bedroom door every night. Grandparents love it too. Tuck a card into a birthday or Christmas card for a grandchild, a godchild, or a new baby.
Pray a St. Nicholas Novena
A novena is nine days of prayer for a particular intention. To finish on his feast, begin on November 28 and pray one of the prayers above each day through December 6. In 2026, that means starting the day before the First Sunday of Advent, so your novena carries you right into the new Church year.
Pick one intention and write it down. A child who is struggling, a family member far from the Church, a couple hoping to marry, someone who needs work before the holidays. St. Nicholas spent his life quietly helping people in exactly those situations.
Keep These Prayers Close
| Prayer to St. Nicholas Card Single cards or packs of 25 for classrooms and parishes. |
 Prayer for a Child CardThe perfect fit for a St. Nicholas Day shoe. |
 St. Nicholas MedalPair it with the prayer card for a child's gift. Engravable. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Nicholas the patron saint of?
St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, fishermen, bakers, merchants, and brides. Brides claim him because of the story of the three dowries he secretly gave to three poor sisters.
When should I start a St. Nicholas novena?
Start on November 28 to finish on his feast day, December 6. You can also pray a novena to St. Nicholas at any time of year for a particular need.
Is there a prayer to St. Nicholas for children?
Yes. The prayer for children above asks God, through St. Nicholas, to protect children, keep them safe, and help them grow in faith and joy. It's a simple one to pray with kids at bedtime.
Want to know more about the man behind these prayers, and fun ways to celebrate his feast at home? Read our guide to St. Nicholas Day: The Real Saint and How Families Celebrate.
St. Nicholas, pray for us.
From our family to yours,
Rich and Caroline King
Catholic Faith Store
