The St. Jude Novena: Prayer for When Hope Seems Lost

The St. Jude Novena is nine days of prayer to the apostle the Church invokes when every other hope seems exhausted, the patron of difficult cases, desperate situations, and causes that appear lost. It is traditionally prayed October 19 through 27, concluding on the eve of his feast, and it may be prayed at any time of year by anyone carrying a burden that feels impossible.

St. Jude's patronage of hopeless causes grew, remarkably, out of centuries of neglect. Because his name so closely resembles that of Judas Iscariot, the faithful historically hesitated to invoke him, and so, tradition holds, the "forgotten apostle" became the most eager of all the saints to intercede, especially for those whom everyone else has forgotten. The saint overlooked for a name he shared with a traitor now stands closest to those the world has written off.

Read the brief reflections below for each of the nine days of this novena then recite this prayer for your intention.

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.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Reflections for Each Day

Day 1 — Called by Name

Jesus chose Jude to be one of the Twelve Apostles, called by name, known entirely, and wanted. St. Jude was made for this calling. Whatever you bring to this novena, begin here: the God to whom St. Jude carries your intention, already knows you by name and calls you to a destiny intended for you alone.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 2 — The Question at the Supper

At the Last Supper, it was Jude who asked the Lord: "Lord, how is it, that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world?" (John 14:22). Jesus answered that He and the Father would come to those who love Him, and make their abode with them. Ask today for that abiding presence in the middle of your trial.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 3 — Apostle to Far Places

Tradition holds that St. Jude carried the Gospel to distant lands, Mesopotamia and Persia among them. No situation is too remote for the Gospel to reach; no part of your life is beyond the reach of grace.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 4 — The Forgotten Apostle

For centuries, the faithful hesitated to pray to Jude because of his name. He knows what it is to be overlooked. Bring him today the intention you have almost stopped mentioning, the one you've begun to give up on.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 5 — Contend for the Faith

In his epistle, St. Jude urges the Church to "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). Perseverance in prayer is its own contending. You are halfway through the novena, renew your resolve today.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 6 — Build Yourselves in Prayer

St. Jude writes: "But you, my beloved, building yourselves upon your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 1:20–21). Keep these words in your heart today. Build your day on this foundation.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 7 — Mercy for Those Who Waver

"And some indeed reprove, being judged: but others save, pulling them out of the fire" (Jude 1:22–23). St. Jude's heart is for those on the edge, the doubting, the desperate, the nearly lost. If your intention is for someone who is wavering, entrust them especially today.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 8 — Faithful Unto Death

Tradition tells us St. Jude was martyred for the faith, and he is often depicted holding the club of his martyrdom. He did not abandon Christ under the ultimate trial; ask for a share of that fidelity in your own trial.
Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer, then one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Day 9 — To Him Who Is Able

St. Jude's epistle ends in a doxology of total confidence: “Now to him who is able to preserve you without sin, and to present you spotless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. To the only God our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory and magnificence, empire and power, before all ages, and now, and for all ages of ages. Amen.” (Jude 1:24–25). Complete this novena where he ended his letter, in praise of the God for whom no cause is lost. Blessed be His Name, forever.

Each day for nine days:

1. Read the day's short reflection.
2. Pray the St. Jude Novena Prayer above, naming your intention.
3. Close with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

If you miss a day, simply continue the next. God is not counting days, He is receiving your faith and trust.

St. Jude was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to be among His closest followers and to spread His teachings. He is also called Jude Thaddeus, a name that helps distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed the Lord.

Tradition holds that St. Jude preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia and Persia, in company with the apostle St. Simon, which is why the Church celebrates the two together on October 28, the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude. He is said to have been martyred for the faith, and he is often depicted holding a club, the traditional instrument of his death. He is also frequently shown wearing a medallion bearing the face of Christ, recalling the ancient tradition of the Image of Edessa, which associates Jude with carrying the true image of the Lord to King Abgar.

St. Jude is traditionally recognized as the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament, a short but powerful letter exhorting the faithful to contend for the faith, persevere in prayer, and rest in the mercy of God.