Prayer to Saint Jude: Full Text for Hard Times
The traditional prayer to Saint Jude for desperate situations, with a short version, a personal prayer, when to pray it, and answers to common questions.
The Traditional Prayer to Saint Jude
Most holy Apostle, Saint 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 Saint 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.
Traditional Catholic prayer. Prayer books and parishes print it with small differences in wording, and some add a longer ending.
A Personal Prayer to Saint Jude
Saint Jude, you were a friend of Jesus, and you know what it is to follow Him when the road is hard.
I am standing in a place where I do not see a way forward. I have tried what I can, and I am tired. I bring this to you now, plainly and without pretending to be stronger than I am.
Pray for me, and pray for the people I love who are caught up in this. Ask the Lord to give us what we truly need, even if it is not what we have been asking for. Keep me from despair, and keep me from bitterness.
While I wait, help me to keep doing the small, faithful things in front of me: to pray, to be kind, and to trust that God has not forgotten me.
When the help comes, let me remember to give thanks. Amen.
Short Version
Saint Jude, faithful friend of Jesus, patron of difficult cases, pray for me. Intercede with God to bring help where help is almost despaired of. Amen.
For Someone Else in Need
Saint Jude, I do not ask for myself today, but for someone I love who is facing something very hard. You know their need, and so does God. Stand beside them. Bring them comfort where there is fear, and a way forward where there seems to be none. Help me to be patient and present with them. Amen.
A Prayer of Thanks to Saint Jude
Saint Jude, thank you for praying for me. Whatever has happened, I know that God was near. Teach me to trust Him in the days when nothing seems to change, and to remember His mercy when things are easy. Help me to pass along the hope I have been given. Amen.
Who Is Saint Jude and When Do We Pray to Him?
Saint Jude is one of the twelve apostles. In the Gospels he appears as "Judas the brother of James," and Saint John takes care to note that he is a different man from Judas Iscariot. The letter of Jude in the New Testament is traditionally attributed to him. His feast is celebrated on October 28.
Catholics have long asked for his help in situations that feel hopeless, which is why he is known as the patron of difficult cases and desperate causes. The prayer above gives that title to him directly.
When to pray it: any time you feel stuck, afraid, or out of options. Many people pray it during illness, money trouble, a broken relationship, or a long wait for an answer. Some pray it every day for nine days as a novena, especially in the days before his feast.
How to pray it: find a quiet moment. Make the sign of the cross, say the prayer slowly, and name your request where the prayer says to. Then stay still for a minute. Some people finish with an Our Father and a Hail Mary.
Praying to a saint is not magic. We ask him to pray with us, as we would ask a friend, and we leave the outcome to God.
Scripture to Pray With
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
John 14:22 (KJV)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26 (KJV)
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:20-21 (KJV)
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saint Jude the patron saint of?
Catholics know him as the patron of difficult cases and desperate situations. People ask for his prayers when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.
When is the feast day of Saint Jude?
His feast is celebrated on October 28. Many people pray a novena to him in the nine days leading up to it.
Is Saint Jude the same person as Judas Iscariot?
No. Saint Jude is the apostle called Judas, the brother of James. The Gospel of John says plainly that he is not Iscariot.
How do you pray to Saint Jude?
Say the traditional prayer slowly, naming your request in the place provided, and ask him to pray with you. Many people add an Our Father and a Hail Mary, and some pray daily for nine days.
Last updated 2026-10-22