Heavenly Help: Saint Jude's Novena

What Is a Novena to Saint Jude and How Does it Work?

Jun 2, 2008 Francine Morrissette

Open to the classified section of almost any newspaper and you'll find dozens of petitions and thank-yous to Saint Jude. Who is Saint Jude and what can he do for you?

A saint is a heavenly friend who, like earthly friends, can pray for living people. Unlike an earthly friend, however, a saint is much closer to God both logistically and spiritually; so it is believed that the prayers of a saint are very powerful. When a saint asks God for a favor on behalf of a living person, it’s called intercession. Catholics traditionally ask the saints to intercede with God on their behalf. The saints seem happy to oblige.

Who Is Saint Jude?

Jude, also know as the apostle Thaddeus, was both Jesus’ cousin and disciple. He is known as "the optimistic saint" because he brings hope whenever he is invoked.

Why Does Saint Jude Hold a Medallion?

In paintings, St Jude is almost always depicted as holding or wearing a medallion with a man's face on it. An ancient legend says that King Agbar of Edessa wrote to Jesus asking to be healed of leprosy. Jesus replied that although he would not be able to come, he would send one of his apostles. To console the king in his absence, Jesus pressed a cloth to his face and left a perfect image of his face on the fabric. The apostle Jude took the cloth to Edessa and healed King Abgar. In works of art, the image of the cloth was eventually replaced by a medallion.

Why Is Saint Jude The Saint of Hopeless Causes?

It’s possible that early Christians confused poor Jude with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, and so no one wanted to pray to him for intercession. As a result, the unfairly shunned Jude might have became doubly eager and may have worked doubly hard to please anyone who came to him for help.

What Can Saint Jude Do for Me?

Anyone who has been led down the wrong spiritual path can petition Saint Jude for help getting back on track. He is, after all, the author of Jude, a book in the New Testament which warns about false teachers and cautions believers about being spiritually led astray. Jude is also the patron saint of hopeless causes; so anyone who is in a desperate situation may call on him for help.

How to Pray Saint Jude’s Novena

Petition Saint Jude by writing out your wish or your hopeless situation. Place the paper in a prominent place where you will see it every day. Then, every day for nine days speak your request aloud, along with either the official Saint Jude Novena,or with something similar like this contemporary prayer:

Dear St. Jude, Please help me with my desperate situation (name it), please give me hope and confidence that my situation will improve. I ask that you use your infinite wisdom and mercy to intercede on my behalf. Amen.

At the end of the nine days, publicly thank Saint Jude for his assistance. For more information on Saint Jude, visit Saint Jude Shrine.

The copyright of the article Heavenly Help: Saint Jude's Novena in Catholicism is owned by Francine Morrissette. Permission to republish Heavenly Help: Saint Jude's Novena in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Saint Jude's Novena

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Comments

Aug 14, 2008 6:43 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer. My husband will start his new job on Monday.
D.A.L

Sep 9, 2008 11:22 AM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. They have not yest been answered, but I have trust and faith that things will right themselves and I will continue to pray for a caring man who is under stress and that he finds stability in life and sees how important our friendship is to me.

Sep 15, 2008 1:01 PM

Guest :

Thank you, again, St. Jude. My daughter did get hired and starts next Monday. This is the 4th time that you really came through for our family. AS a matter of fact, I don't think you have ever let us down. We don't ask unless it is extremely important and seemingly impossible.

Sep 19, 2008 5:30 AM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayer in our time of suffering. Between the loss of my son and my husband's unemployment we ask for your help that he find a job soon. I am faithful with your assistance our lives will become fulfilling again.
Colleen

Jan 26, 2009 1:07 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I am hopeful that you will help me find employment so I may support my family...this is a desperate time for us.
Theresa

Jan 26, 2009 1:16 PM

tveaux :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I have not yet seen improvement but am faithful that your help will come with employment so I may support my family. This is a desperate time.

Jan 27, 2009 10:23 AM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayers. I have prayed to you in the past and truly received a miracle. I humbly come to you again for your assistance in a painful situation and with faith in my heart, I know my prayers will be answered. Diane

Jan 28, 2009 7:00 PM

Guest :

Help me St Jude in my time of need, and thank you for the many blessings you have given me.

Jan 30, 2009 3:32 PM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude. I feel that my prayers have not yet been answered, but I know and have faith in my heart that through your divine help and with the help of God, all things will fall into place as they should. Only you and God can best know how to answer my prayers.

Feb 2, 2009 7:12 AM

Guest :

Thank you St.Jude for the favors you have granted.

Feb 8, 2009 8:24 PM

Guest :

St Jude please listen to my prayers and humbly bring them to out Lord, I ask that my prayers ar answered swiftly to that my husband can once again support the family. RLK

Feb 10, 2009 12:02 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers throughout this difficult time. Though my prayers have not yet been answered, I believe that you and God know what is best for me and will help me get over the heartache and sorrow I have been feeling over my breakup with my soulmate.

Feb 13, 2009 4:29 AM

Guest :

Dear St Jude

Thank you for assisting me in my relationship with P. I now ask that you please help me in finding a new job in the area I live in as soon as possible. Thank you St Jude for your kindness and intercession in my life. Amen.

Feb 14, 2009 5:12 AM

Guest :

Thank you Saint Jude for some good test results for my
husband. Today is the 9th day and I am confident that today's results, perhaps the most important, will be good.I am confident that everything will be ok and that my prayers will be answered.E

Feb 23, 2009 6:02 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude. I am not the type who always thinks of prayer. For the first time in my life I found it difficult to find a job. I could not pay my bills and felt embarassed and at the end of my rope. I turned to the St. Jude Novena and within 9 days I found a job that I can build on. I am very greatful and pray that everyone else receives the good fortune I have received. Thank you St. Jude and all others who interceded for me- from the bottom of my heart. Suzanne G.

Feb 27, 2009 3:49 PM

Guest :

I've prayed the novena recently and am quietly waiting, but twice before I believe my prayer was answered. So thanks in advance are offered that I come to see what it is I need to find.

Mar 12, 2009 8:09 PM

cali_vista :

Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayers. I am so grateful for your intervention! Mary

Mar 13, 2009 7:53 AM

Guest :

its a powerful prayer and as i continue to call upon the saint, i believe my request has been granted, Thank you lord, Thank st.jude for answering my prayer.

Mar 19, 2009 4:38 PM

Guest :

St. Jude Please help my daughter get a job. She is in deperate need. Please hear my prayers.

Mar 22, 2009 9:35 AM

Guest :

Thank you Saint Jude for prayers answered
RFD

Mar 28, 2009 4:03 AM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I am confident that my husband will find a job that he loves and that I will gain control over stress and my eating.
Monica

Mar 29, 2009 10:36 PM

Guest :

Pray for my daughter St. Jude. She is in desperate need of faith and hope in her life. She is a teen who sees no meaning in her life and we have done all we can to try and help her. Our prayers continue but now we turn to you for your prayers in this our desperate need.

Mar 30, 2009 9:14 AM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I ask for you help for my son's struggle in coming to terms with being adopted without so much anger in his heart. I also ask for your help in my struggle to find employment. Through your intercession, I believe with all my heart that the suffering and heartache we are experiencing will be lessened.

Apr 9, 2009 1:27 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers, although they have not yet been asnwered, I have been given optimism and trust that things will right them selves. I will continue to pray for my husband who is under tremendous stress and anxiety with possibly loosing his job. I know that you will continue to pray for me too.

Apr 11, 2009 11:27 AM

Guest :

Thank you, St. Jude, for preserving my job during a time of economic upheaval -- thank you always.

Apr 14, 2009 7:34 PM

Guest :

St. Jude,
You always listen and provide assistance in desperate times. Thank you for the intervention. Please continue to help my daughter. AP

Apr 14, 2009 7:34 PM

Guest :

St. Jude,
You always listen and provide assistance in desperate times. Thank you for the intervention. Please continue to help my daughter. AP

Apr 15, 2009 3:13 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer. I am grateful for the help you have given me in the past. I really believe in your power and humbly than you for this miracle. Thank you God for looking after me and my family when we most need you help. I will continue my prayer to you as I always believe in you. I love you. pab

Apr 21, 2009 1:49 PM

Guest :

Novena To
St. Jude
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.
Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly -
(make your request here)
- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
PRAYER
May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen.
May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen
St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen.
Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Blessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all Eternity.
(say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary)

Apr 23, 2009 8:26 AM

Guest :

St. Jude, you have answered our prayers, and know will continue to, my husband still has his job and has actually has an interview this Friday, I continue to pray to you that you look over us and ultimately help him stay in his current position.

Apr 24, 2009 3:20 PM

Guest :

St. Jude, I have fallen into trouble with my new job. Prey for me that my boss and owner of the company keep me employed, That they get me my OAS card back to me, and that I have a good season. Let them be pleased with me and thankful that they took the chances with me. I need your help...

Apr 24, 2009 3:23 PM

Guest :

St. Jude,

Heal my wife and save our marrage by giving her the feeling she needs and deserves...

Apr 26, 2009 7:23 PM

Guest :

St. Jude,
Thank you for listening to my prayers. I continue to wait for your intervention on behalf of my daughter. You have always come through.

AP

Apr 27, 2009 5:48 AM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude ,I am humbled by your love and goodness ,you have always been at my side. I pray sincerely that my prayers be answered though I am not worthy .MMB

Apr 29, 2009 6:54 AM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude for answering my prayer. I somewhat suffer from social anxiety which makes me really nervous around people and because of this, i fear that i may "lose control" of myself, actions etc. and that everyone's watching my every move. Today on my way to school on the bus, i felt that way and usually when this happens, i would ring my confidant up to talk as itreally calms me however, it seemed like she was not picking my call up so i prayed to St Jude to let her do so because i could not take the anxiety building up in me and shortly after, she picked it up! In the end, i felt so much better!

Apr 29, 2009 6:54 AM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude

Apr 29, 2009 8:00 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for always answering my prayers in the past. Please continue to intercede for me as I struggle against depression and anxiety. I am deeply concerned for the health of my parents as well and I ask you to watch over them.
Thank you, MJN

May 4, 2009 8:56 AM

Guest :

Dear St. Jude:
I am becoming desperate in my search for a new job. Can you please help me get the wonderful job I interviewed for last Thursday. I know I could be extremely happy there.
Thank you so much.

May 12, 2009 9:33 AM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude and God for all the help you have given me. Thank you also for bringing me and my classmates closer and also for being able to befriend a girl in my class whom i had difficulties in interacting with her previously.

May 15, 2009 2:55 PM

Guest :

St Jude,
Thank you, because in the past you have helped me tremendously. I want to thank you for that publicly. I am in a very difficult and almost impossible situation right now. I am almost done with your novena. Please, help Brett find the strengh in his heart to forgive me. Let his doubts all be turned into faith in our relationship. Please give us our relationship back give us another opportunity without all the doubts with each other and with the blessings of more love, care, trust and passion tha we need and I seek through you. Please help us.

May 20, 2009 4:08 PM

Guest :

St.Jude
I have prayed my 9 day Novena & it's been a week since...and my husband still has no job! I have faith in you & beg you to please help my family get thru this difficult situation!
Please HELP my husband get either his job back or a new job!
I HAVE FAITH IN YOU & WILL START A NEW 9 DAY NOVENA!!!

May 21, 2009 9:30 AM

Guest :

Thank you saint Jude for answering my prayer, you have answered my prayers in many life changing events and i have never thanked you in Public. My heartfelt and sincere thanks to you for all the graces. i pray that i can find a job soon.
- CJ

May 24, 2009 11:37 AM

Guest :

Guest;Thank you St.Jude answering my prayes.Donna

May 26, 2009 7:41 AM

Guest :

Thank you Saint Jude, for answering my prayers. Although this will take time, I can see your assistance on a daily basis and will continue to pray for a speedy conclusion to my need for work and money to pay my bills.
JE

May 31, 2009 12:45 AM

Guest :

Dear St Jude, thank you for interceding for me to God to let me get an A floristry. All along i only had gotten Bs and 1 C. However, partly due to moderation which could bring my grades down, i needed an A and also, besides that i had wanted one badly as well. So when i brought my piece to let it be graded, i silently prayed to St Jude to intercede to God to let me get an A and i really did! Thank you St Jude also for interceding to God to let my friend and I sort of patch up after having a miscommunication with her. Due to my "social anxiety" which sometimes overwhelms me and causes me to act rather avoidant, i think i could have gave out the wrong signal to her, probably offending her. However, now we're ok with each other.

Jun 3, 2009 4:26 AM

Guest :

Thank you, Saint Jude.
I can see your visible assistanve in getting this interview. I have faith that you will be with me and that things will work out.

JE

Jun 3, 2009 9:09 AM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude for interceding to God to let me have a good day in school with my friends today altogether.

Jun 10, 2009 1:40 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude. One day after my novena ended, I received a freelance job offer. I was praying for a new job! It may not be full time, but god works in mysterious ways.

Thank you! A.K.

Jun 11, 2009 10:44 AM

Guest :

St. Jude:
I have started a novena today in desperate hopes that you can intercede for me with Jesus and God to save my marriage. Help my husband see the woman he fell in love with and come back home. Please help him remember how much we love eachother. Please save us from divorce. I want to build a life with him and our son. Please help me make the necessary changes to bring back the love, trust, and passion into our marriage. I have full faith that you will grant this request.I will publish a thanks to you and for others to become awae of your power when my prayer is answered. Thank you for listening to me. Please help us.
Michelle

Jun 11, 2009 12:38 PM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude for interceding on my behalf. The Lord has answered my prayers and I am so grateful for your help.

Jun 16, 2009 10:41 PM

Guest :

St. Jude I pray to you that my husband finds a rewarding job. I have faith that you will answer my prayers. Thank you. Ann-Marie

Jul 13, 2009 11:30 PM

Guest :

Thank you Jesus and St. Jude for interceding on my son's behalf. We were so worried about the outcome of his situation. Thank you for listening and answering our many requests over the years.

Jul 21, 2009 2:35 PM

Guest :

thank you saint jude for listening to me. i am not truly worthy, but i am hoping for your intercession to help me become strong. thank you saint jude for everything that you do.

Jul 23, 2009 1:25 PM

Guest :

Please saint jude help me with the electric bill problem i cant have
it shut off I need the money to pay for it. I have been praying
for 3 weeks now and have had no help pleae please intercide for
me,i need help to keep from ending my life over this
13

Aug 10, 2009 8:12 AM

Guest :

Thank you Jesus and St. Jude for a clean bill of health! I also see my husbands work situation improving and know that it is just a matter of time. My prayers, as always, hve been answered.
JB

Aug 12, 2009 10:22 AM

Guest :

Please help me St Jude. To please let me get the the money that i need to get home to my family and to be able to pay my bills. I do not want to be left in this town. And to please continue to give me the strength to get my life in order.

Aug 20, 2009 5:48 AM

Guest :

Thank you Saint Jude for answering my prayers. I have received 3 miracles by your intercession.
JW

Aug 22, 2009 2:02 AM

Guest :

I've prayed the St Jude novena recently and I am patiently waiting, andI believe my prayer will be answered. So I thank you in advance for the mental health of my auntand please grant me this miracle and i shall be always faithfull to you

Aug 29, 2009 6:29 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer request. You came to my aid again and I thank you.

Aug 29, 2009 6:30 PM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer request. You came to my aid again and I thank you.

Sep 8, 2009 11:14 PM

Guest :

Dear St Jude, thank you for interceding to God to let my O Level certificate be found with my mother and not thrown away which i thought it was by accident months ago. Thank you God for hearing this intercession too. Also, thank you St Jude and God for improving my relationship with two of my friends further. It has progressed yet once more!

Sep 30, 2009 8:05 AM

Guest :

Thank you, St Jude, for prayers answered. PKM, Toronto

Oct 11, 2009 5:37 AM

Guest :

Thank you Saint Jude. I am patiently awaiting to find out if my prayers of having a child will be answered. I know my husband and I don't have good odds, but it would be wonderful if you can help us beat the odds. We are loving people and have much love to give to our child. You haven't failed me in the past and I pray that you will once again come through.
Thank you
Nicole T.

Oct 22, 2009 10:33 AM

Guest :

Please Saint Jude, let my biopsy results be negative. Please let me be healthy. I thank you for your prayers.

Oct 23, 2009 2:37 AM

Guest :

Dear Saint Jude, thank you for interceding to God today and let the relationships i share with each of my three friends improve and also to give me and us (specifically me and the two of the girls) the opportunity to improve our relations. Today, just as we were waiting for the bus home, S and i had a great time discussing stuff and throughout the day the both of us had also made small conversations here and there, which went pretty well. Also, the other girl, C and i had definitely interacted more than usual today and i also shared with the third friend small but good conversations. Also, thank you Saint Jude for interceding to God and Jesus to let me have a smooth day at school today. Thank You God and Jesus for hearing and ansering Saint Jude's intercessions for me.

Read more: http://catholic-saints.suite101.com/article.cfm/heavenly_help_saint_judes_n ovena#ixzz0UkbCBSQ2

Oct 26, 2009 11:40 AM

Guest :

Thank you St. Jude for bringing Maria to us. Forgive us all, especially me, for doubting it could happen. Your intercession is so powerful. Thank you!

Nov 2, 2009 6:19 AM

Guest :

Thank you Saint Jude for hearing my petitions for letting me be able to finally open my school mail after a long time failing to do so, so i am able to check for any assignment notice and not get my group members into trouble for any unfinished assignment. Thank You God for answering this petiton of mine through the intercession of Saint Jude. Thank You.

Nov 2, 2009 9:12 AM

Guest :

Thank-You St Jude for answering my prayer. The nodule in my neck is benign! Thank You Thank You Thank You!I thank you for praying to the lord on my behalf! I love you St Jude!

Nov 27, 2009 6:16 AM

Guest :

St. Jude please intercede on my behalf during this extremely difficult financial period in my life. Please help us get back on track and to approve a loan that is still pending. I have always put my faith in you and God and will continue to pray to you as you have helped me and my family in the past during the good times as well as some very hard times. I love you St. Jude and I love you God. Thank-you for listening and I have faith that my prayers will be answered.

Dec 18, 2009 11:39 AM

Guest :

Thany you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I really need your help on this one. Please bring my relationship back to me. Will you help me? I believe only you and God have the power to change things and situations.

Dec 28, 2009 1:46 AM

Guest :

Thank you saint Jude for interceding with my prayers that my chest is getting better may you continue supporting me so that i may be strong in Gods faith

Jan 1, 2010 10:26 AM

Guest :

Thank You St Jude for listening to my prayers. I am quietly waiting to see evidence of your intercession in my father's desperate financial and legal situation w the nursing home. In addition I need the rest of my family to help in the the matter overall, as they continue to act as everything is okay, when indeed all is not. St Jude, you and God know the details, so I put my faith in your divine intervention that will help grant my request made in my recent novena to you.
June P.

Jan 5, 2010 5:17 PM

Guest :

Thank You St. Jude for listening to my prayers for my son to stop drinking. I feel only with you help and prayers will this happen for him Please pray that he come back to mass and be closer to the family. Thank you.

Jan 13, 2010 7:57 AM

Guest :

Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems who light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and to forget all against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusion. I wish to be with you eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. PAG

Jan 18, 2010 6:24 PM

Guest :

The Novena to St. Jude Blog provides devotees of St. Jude an on-line venue to publish their messages of thanks (or special intentions). Please visit us at stjudenovenablog.blogspot.com.

http://stjudenovenablog.blogspot.com/

Jan 18, 2010 10:21 PM

Guest :

Thank you St Jude, for providing me comfort and hope. My faith in your blessed grace is absolute and I humbly await your reply to my pleas for help.

Jan 22, 2010 5:45 AM

Guest :

Most holy apostle St. Jude, please hear our prayers and help us to become the legal parents of B and M. I fear that this cannot happen without your intervention.

Feb 1, 2010 8:01 PM

Guest :

St. Jude, you know what is in my heart. Intercede for me. Forgive me my sins and please hear my prayer, so I may sing your glory, for ever and ever, into eternity.

Thank You, St. Jude. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved, throughout the world, now and forever, Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us, St. Jude, worker of miracle, pray of us, St. Jude Helper and keeper of the hopeless pray for us, Thank You St. Jude.

Say this prayer, 9 times a day, for nine days. It is never known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you St. Jude.

78 Comments