Saint Jude, Pray for Us: Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures
January 15, 2008
I’ve been Catholic for almost 13 years now and I’ve never prayed a novena. I don’t know why that is exactly. I mean, I do know that the idea seemed a little strange to me – not bad strange, just unfamiliar, a little foreign. Still, I don’t think that was what was holding me back. I’m starting to think that, until now, I’ve simply never felt desperate enough to request a saint’s intercession in such a formal way. I have, in the course of my life, also rarely asked for the prayers of my earthly friends. I know it’s silly, but it has always felt a little uncomfortable – even embarrassing – to me. But desperate times really do call for desperate measures, and I am now humbly asking for your prayers, my friends. Please pray for the Shoe family’s financial situation – specifically that Old Man’s insurance sales job soon begins to provide an adequate income for us. If you feel so inclined, please join my family and my dear friend, Oma, in the novena to St. Jude (patron of seemingly hopeless causes) that we started yesterday. We’ll pray it each day for nine days, which means we’ve still got eight days to go. I doubt St. Jude would mind if some of the prayer group finished a day or so behind us, so please join in if you feel called to do so.
Novena to Saint 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 that Old Man’s insurance sales job quickly begins to provide an adequate income for our family, 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. Amen
Finish with these prayers.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Prayer to St. Michael
Glory Be
January 15, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Not being a catholic I can’t pray a novena. Believing in a GOD who knows NO lost causes I can’t agree with Jude’s part in that. Being a firm believer in the priesthood of the believer and that I am welcome at my Saviors’ feet at any time and in any circumstance I humbly offer my whole-hearted prayer in your families’ behalf! (for as long as it takes) In whatever way He chooses to work and down whatever path He picks to move your family closer to Him-keep faith and embrace your loving Father my friend!
January 16, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Thank you Dandelionmom. I appreciate your prayers more than I can say! I don’t believe there are any hopeless causes either. I think St. Jude should be called the patron of seemingly hopeless causes, and I’ve actually made a change in my original post that reflects that belief. In the Novena prayer included in my post St. Jude is called “patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of”. That’s much different than a “hopeless” or “lost” cause and I think it’s more fitting. Afterall, there would be no reason to pray at all if there weren’t always hope. Please continue to pray for us, and know that my prayers are with you and yours.
January 17, 2008 at 10:19 am
I am sorry to have read your post after your Novena started.I would have liked to start with you. It should be a very natural thing to ask one another to pray for us.
I am glad you wrote this post. I will keep you in my prayers. We should care and pray for one another.
I want to help by sharing with you the strongest prayer that I know pleases God very much and there are 15 promises made by the blessed Virgin to those families who come together each day and pray the Holy Rosary. Please look up on the internet “The 15 Promises to Those Who Pray the Rosary”
I really hope this helps.
To read about many miracles that has come to those who pray the Rosary you can find a ahort online book called “The Secret Of The Rosary. Book 1″.
May God bless you and your family and help you to meet your needs.
Carolyn,” Marianist”
July 18, 2009 at 7:54 pm
that’s nice i would like to know more about that
January 17, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Thank you Carolyn – for your prayers, for your support, and for sharing the information on praying the Rosary. I will make sure to read your recommendations. Thanks for stopping by and please come again! God be with you.
May 6, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Thank you God, St.Jude and saints for the bless ~ Elijah