← Explore all novenas

A St. Jude novena · Nine days of prayer

Nine days.
A little more hope.

For the times you feel overwhelmed or alone.

Bring what is on your heart. Each day, make space for prayer, consider a thoughtful question, and choose one small step in hope.

Make a little space.

Your journey

0 of 9 days completed

0 of 9

Your start date and progress stay in this browser. Reflection choices are not saved.

Day 1 of 9

Bring what is on your heart.

Listen to Scripture

The psalm invites us to pour out our hearts before God.

Read Psalm 62:6–9 ↗

Reflect

You do not have to organize every thought before you begin. A burden can be brought to God in a sentence, a sigh, or a moment of silence. Today, name what feels heavy without trying to solve it all. Let this first prayer be an honest beginning.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray that I may bring my need to God honestly. Help me begin where I am, with the strength I have today. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

What would help me begin?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Name one intention silently, or write it on paper you keep privately. If you wish, entrust it to our communal prayer book.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 2 of 9

Receive a little kindness.

Listen to Scripture

Jesus welcomes those who are weary and carrying burdens.

Read Matthew 11:28–30 ↗

Reflect

When life is difficult, even rest can feel like something we must earn. Jesus invites the weary to come to him. You are more than the situation you are facing. Make room today to receive one small kindness, including the kindness of allowing yourself to pause.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray that I may receive God’s love in my weariness. Help me accept a little care without feeling I must earn it. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

What kind of kindness could I receive today?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Choose a small act of care that is possible today: a quiet pause, a meal, or accepting help with one task.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 3 of 9

Ask for wisdom.

Listen to Scripture

James encourages those who need wisdom to ask God.

Read James 1:5 ↗

Reflect

Overwhelm can make every question feel urgent. Prayer can create space to notice the question that matters next. You do not need to see the entire road. Ask for wisdom about one decision, and consider whose experience or understanding could help you take it carefully.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for wisdom in my uncertainty. Ask God to help me listen, seek good counsel, and recognize the next faithful step. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

Where do I most need clarity?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Identify one question to bring to a trusted person, parish minister, or someone with the relevant expertise.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 4 of 9

Let someone walk beside you.

Listen to Scripture

Paul calls Christians to help carry one another’s burdens.

Read Galatians 6:2 ↗

Reflect

Asking for company can be difficult, especially when you do not know how to explain what is happening. You can begin simply. Someone does not have to solve your situation to listen, pray, or help with one practical need. Let companionship be part of today’s prayer.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for me when I feel alone. Ask God to give me courage to reach out and openness to receive the care of others. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

What support would help me today?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

If you can, contact one trusted person. You can ask for company or prayer without telling your whole story.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 5 of 9

Take the next small step.

Listen to Scripture

The psalm describes God’s word as light for the path.

Read Psalm 119:105 ↗

Reflect

A small step still matters. It may be making a call, preparing a question, asking for help, or resting before you continue. Choose something within your reach rather than something that settles the whole situation. Ask God for courage for this step, and leave room to adjust it.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for courage for the step before me. Help me move with patience and recognize when I need support or rest. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

What is possible for me today?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Take or plan one manageable step. If you cannot act today, bring that difficulty into prayer too.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 6 of 9

Remember another person.

Listen to Scripture

Paul calls us to share in others’ joy and sorrow.

Read Romans 12:15 ↗

Reflect

Your own need belongs in this prayer, and so do the needs of others. Compassion does not require you to have everything resolved. Remember someone who may feel as you do. Our friends can pray for the community’s intentions together without knowing each person’s private words.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for everyone carrying a burden in silence. Ask God to surround them with care and help us support one another. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

Whom will I remember today?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Offer a quiet prayer for another person. If you have the capacity, add a small act of kindness.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 7 of 9

Return in patience.

Listen to Scripture

Paul joins hope, patience, and perseverance in prayer.

Read Romans 12:12 ↗

Reflect

Some days feel different; others feel much the same. Returning to prayer can be a gentle act of perseverance. You can speak again about the same need, or sit quietly with it. Notice what has helped you remain accompanied, and allow that support to continue.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for patience when the way ahead is unclear. Help me return to God and remain open to the people who care for me. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

What helps me return?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Return to one helpful practice or person. If you missed a day, continue from where you stopped.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 8 of 9

Notice a sign of kindness.

Listen to Scripture

Paul invites attention to what is good and worthy of praise.

Read Philippians 4:8–9 ↗

Reflect

Gratitude does not require you to pretend that everything is easy. It can begin with noticing one act of kindness beside the difficulty: a patient listener, a meal, a helpful conversation. If nothing comes to mind today, you can simply ask God to help you notice care when it comes.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, join me in thanking God for the kindness I have received. Help me notice care and share it when I can. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

What can I acknowledge today?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Thank someone, remember a kindness privately, or ask for the grace to recognize care in the days ahead.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Day 9 of 9

Carry hope forward.

Listen to Scripture

The Letter of Jude encourages prayer, mercy, and remaining in God’s love, then closes in praise.

Read Jude 20–25 ↗

Reflect

These nine days have made space for your intention, for prayer, and for others. As this novena closes, you can carry that rhythm forward. Entrust what remains unresolved to God, remember the help you can receive, and choose how you would like to continue in prayer and kindness.

Our daily prayer

St. Jude, faithful apostle of Jesus and companion in hope, pray for me. I bring before God the need I carry today. Ask him to steady my heart, guide my steps, and open my eyes to the care around me. Help me reach out with courage, receive kindness, and offer kindness in return. Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. May we grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

St. Jude, pray that I may continue in hope. Bring before God my intention and the needs of all our friends. Help us walk forward with faith and compassion. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

How would I like to continue?

Choose a starting point, or reflect quietly.

One small act · If you can

Choose one next step. Close by praying for every intention entrusted to our prayer book and thanking God for those who have accompanied you.

Remember every intention entrusted to our prayer book. St. Jude, pray for us.

Continue in prayer.

Join us in praying for every intention entrusted to our prayer book.

About these prayers & reflections

This devotional novena, its core prayer, daily prayers, reflections, and actions were written for Turn to St. Jude. “St. Jude, pray for us” is a traditional invocation. Scripture introductions are original summaries; links lead to the USCCB Bible. This is our community’s devotional resource.

Practical reflection alongside prayer is also found in the USCCB’s Pray, Learn, Act novena. Its prayers have not been reproduced here. Participation in the actions is optional; you can spend the day in quiet prayer.