Cordeo™
Novena to Saint Jude Thaddeus
Saint Jude Thaddeus, apostle of Jesus and patron of difficult and desperate causes, is one of the most beloved saints in Mexico and across Latin America. His feast is October 28, and the novena is prayed on the nine days before it; but many families pray it at any time of the year when facing an illness, a job problem, a debt or a situation that seems to have no way out. Here is the full text, ready to pray as a family each night.
When it is prayed: From October 19 to 27, one day each night, ending on the eve of his feast on October 28. It is also prayed on any date of the year, nine nights in a row, for a specific intention.
How to pray it
- Make the sign of the cross and say aloud the intention you are praying for.
- Pray the opening prayer together.
- Read the day's reading and the meditation.
- Pray the prayer of the day and the short invocation.
- Close with the closing prayer and, if you wish, an Our Father for those going through something hard.
The nine days
- Day 1 · Jude, not Iscariot
- Day 2 · Chosen by Jesus
- Day 3 · For God all things are possible
- Day 4 · Patient in tribulation
- Day 5 · Pray always and do not lose heart
- Day 6 · This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
- Day 7 · The prayer of the righteous is powerful
- Day 8 · Be faithful unto death
- Day 9 · What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits?
Opening prayer
Saint Jude Thaddeus, faithful apostle and close kinsman of Jesus, patron of difficult and desperate cases: we come to you when our strength is failing. Intercede before the Lord, for whom nothing is impossible, for the intention we place in your hands today. Amen.
Short invocation: Saint Jude Thaddeus, patron of difficult cases, pray for us.
Day 1 · Jude, not Iscariot
Reading
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”
John 14:22
Meditation
As we begin this novena, let us contemplate Saint Jude Thaddeus in his simple and faithful identity: a disciple close to the Lord, distinct from the traitor, remembered for his desire to understand more deeply the ways of Jesus. His question springs from a heart that loves and seeks light. We too, amid doubts, trials, and urgent petitions, want to draw near to the Lord with confidence, not to demand answers, but to be disposed to receive His manifestation in faith. Jesus allows Himself to be found by those who love Him and keep His word. Saint Jude teaches us that to ask with humility is already a way of believing. In this novena, let us ask for a docile heart, able to recognize God’s presence in hidden ways, in persevering prayer, and in daily obedience.
Prayer of the day
Lord Jesus, You called Saint Jude Thaddeus to follow You closely; give us a humble heart that seeks to understand Your will and recognize You in our lives. Saint Jude Thaddeus, faithful apostle, pray for us, that we may grow in faith, in trust, and in love. Grant us also the grace we ask of you in this novena, if it is for our good. Amen.
Day 2 · Chosen by Jesus
Reading
Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor.
Luke 6:16
Meditation
Today we reflect that Saint Jude Thaddeus did not choose himself: he was chosen by Jesus. In that calling, we see the loving initiative of the Lord, who knows the heart of each person and entrusts concrete missions to His disciples. We too have been looked upon by God and called to live as His children, in faithfulness to the duties of each day. At times we feel small, incapable, or unworthy; yet the Lord does not call only the strong—He strengthens those whom He calls. Saint Jude answered with his life, remaining united to Christ. His example encourages us to renew our own response, to leave lukewarmness behind, and to serve with generosity. In this novena, let us ask for the grace to hear the voice of Jesus and follow it promptly, without reserve or fear.
Prayer of the day
Lord Jesus, You chose Saint Jude Thaddeus to be Your apostle; help us to respond faithfully to the call You give us each day. Take from us all lukewarmness and fear, and give us generosity in serving You. Saint Jude Thaddeus, intercede for our family and obtain for us the special grace we come to ask in this novena. Amen.
Day 3 · For God all things are possible
Reading
Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27
Meditation
When our strength is spent and every path seems closed, the word of the Lord lifts us up: what is impossible for us is not impossible for God. Saint Jude Thaddeus is invoked by many in difficult situations, and this devotion reminds us that Christian hope rests not only on human solutions, but on the merciful power of God. This does not mean that we will always receive what we imagine, but it does mean that we are never beyond the reach of His love and providence. He can open ways, change hearts, sustain us in trial, and bring good even out of suffering. Today let us look upon our needs with humble faith. Let us present them to the Lord through the intercession of Saint Jude, trusting not in our own ability, but in the wise and powerful will of God, who always acts for our salvation.
Prayer of the day
Almighty God, nothing is impossible for You. Look with kindness upon our needs, fears, and burdens, and strengthen our hope, that we may never distrust Your power or Your love. Saint Jude Thaddeus, help in difficult causes, intercede for us. If it is Your will, grant us the grace we ask in this novena and teach us to rest in You. Amen.
Day 4 · Patient in tribulation
Reading
rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Romans 12:12
Meditation
The Christian life does not keep us from tribulation, but it teaches us to live through it with hope, patience, and prayer. Today we contemplate this path, which Saint Jude Thaddeus walked as a faithful disciple of the Lord. We too pass through worries, illnesses, conflicts, and waiting that wearies the soul. The Word invites us to keep the joy of those who know in whom they have placed their trust, to suffer patiently without hardening the heart, and to persevere in prayer without abandoning our post. This is not about denying pain, but about carrying it with God. When we pray in the midst of trial, hope matures, the heart is purified, and we learn to await the Lord’s help. Let us ask on this day for the grace to remain steadfast, serene, and trusting, sustained by the intercession of Saint Jude Thaddeus.
Prayer of the day
Lord God, in times of tribulation do not let sadness or impatience overcome us. Give us firm hope, patience in suffering, and perseverance in prayer. Saint Jude Thaddeus, companion of those who suffer, pray for us, that we may not lose heart and may know how to wait upon the Lord. Grant us also the grace we ask in this novena, according to Your holy will. Amen.
Day 5 · Pray always and do not lose heart
Reading
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,
Luke 18:1
Meditation
Jesus teaches us that we must pray always and not lose heart. This insistence does not come from a distant God who must be persuaded, but from a Father who desires to keep us united to Himself. Persevering prayer enlarges our faith, orders our desires, and helps us recognize that every good comes from God. Saint Jude Thaddeus accompanies us especially when the waiting drags on and weariness threatens to extinguish our trust. How many times have we prayed and felt only silence; yet even then the Lord is at work in secret. To persevere is to love, to hope, and to remain. Today let us renew our desire to pray as a family, in the simplicity of each day, and to return again and again to the heart of God. Whoever does not grow weary in prayer learns to rest in the Lord’s will and receives strength to go forward.
Prayer of the day
Good Father, teach us to pray always and not to grow discouraged when the answer seems delayed. May our trust depend not on what we feel, but on Your faithfulness. Saint Jude Thaddeus, intercede for us, that we may persevere in prayer with humble and steadfast faith. We ask You, Lord, for the grace of this novena, and above all for a heart that never turns away from You. Amen.
Day 6 · This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
Reading
This poor man cried, and Yahweh heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalms 34:6
Meditation
Today the Word brings us close to the cry of the poor man whom God hears. All of us, at one time or another, experience that inner poverty: helplessness, anguish, the need for help. To acknowledge it is not defeat, but truth before the Lord. When we stop relying only on ourselves and cry out with sincerity, we open our hearts to divine mercy. Saint Jude Thaddeus reminds us that no one who calls upon the Lord with faith is abandoned. God hears, sustains, and delivers—sometimes by changing circumstances, at other times by giving us peace, strength, and light to pass through them. In this novena, let us present our anxieties with the humility of children. Let us not hide our wounds or our burdens. The Lord knows our poverty and bends down with tenderness over His children. Let us ask for the grace to cry out in faith, to wait with patience, and to give thanks even before we see the fruit.
Prayer of the day
Lord, You know our poverty and hear the cry of those who call upon You. Look upon our anxieties, our wounds, and our needs, and help us in Your mercy. Saint Jude Thaddeus, refuge of those who come in trust, pray for us, that we may never despair. We beg You, Lord, to grant us the grace of this novena and a poor heart that abandons itself completely to You. Amen.
Day 7 · The prayer of the righteous is powerful
Reading
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
James 5:16
Meditation
The Christian life is also sustained by mutual help and intercession. Today we reflect on the value of acknowledging our faults, asking for prayer, and praying for one another. This requires humility, for many times we prefer to appear strong rather than show our need. Yet God works powerfully in the sincere heart that opens itself to His grace. Saint Jude Thaddeus, apostle and friend of the Lord, encourages us to believe in the power of prayer offered in faith. It is not our own power, but the fruit of God’s action in those who place themselves in His hands. Today let us pray for our family, for the sick, for those who are far from God, and for those passing through hidden trials. May this novena make us more fraternal, more pure of heart, and more ready to sustain others with persevering charity.
Prayer of the day
Lord, purify our hearts, that we may know how to acknowledge our faults, ask forgiveness, and pray for one another with charity. Make fruitful within us the prayer born of faith and humility. Saint Jude Thaddeus, intercede for our family and for all who have asked our prayers. Obtain for us also the grace we beg for in this novena. Amen.
Day 8 · Be faithful unto death
Reading
Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10
Meditation
Fidelity to the Lord is tested especially when suffering, rejection, or fear arrives. Today we are invited not to be afraid and to remain steadfast to the end. Saint Jude Thaddeus followed Christ not only in moments of consolation, but also along the demanding path of witness. We too are called to persevere when faith is costly, when doing good requires sacrifice, or when the cross grows heavy. The Lord does not promise us a life without trials, but He does promise His presence and the victory of life. Fidelity does not consist in great feelings, but in continuing to love, obey, and trust each day. In this novena, let us ask for the grace not to draw back in difficulty, to resist the temptation to discouragement, and to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who sustains His own to the end.
Prayer of the day
Lord Jesus, in trials and fears do not let us turn away from You. Give us strength to be faithful in small things and great, and to persevere in Your love to the end. Saint Jude Thaddeus, faithful witness of Christ, pray for us, that we may not give in to discouragement. Grant us also the grace we ask in this novena, if it is for our salvation. Amen.
Day 9 · What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits?
Reading
What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me?
Psalms 116:12
Meditation
As we come to the end of this novena, our hearts turn to thanksgiving. Before looking at what we still lack, let us consider all that we have received from God: life, faith, forgiveness, family, strength in trial, and the hope that does not disappoint. Even amid needs not yet resolved, there are always blessings from the Lord worthy of remembrance and praise. Saint Jude Thaddeus accompanies us today so that we may respond not only with words, but with a life more fully given to God. True gratitude makes us humble, turns us away from complaint, and moves us to respond with love, obedience, and service. Let us end this novena by renewing our trust in the Lord, certain that He has heard our supplication. Let us ask for the grace to be grateful, faithful, and steadfast, so that our whole life may be a response to the love of God.
Prayer of the day
Good God, we thank You for all Your blessings, seen and unseen, and for accompanying us through this novena. Receive our praise and make of our lives a grateful response to Your love. Saint Jude Thaddeus, pray for us, that we may remain faithful and trusting. We ask You, Lord, to grant the grace sought in this novena and to keep us always in Your friendship. Amen.
Closing prayer
Saint Jude Thaddeus, thank you for accompanying us throughout this novena. Obtain from the Lord what we have asked, if it is for our salvation, and never let us lose hope. Saint Jude Thaddeus, pray for us. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Novena to Saint Jude prayed?
Traditionally from October 19 to 27, the nine days before his feast on October 28. But it can be prayed at any time of the year, nine nights in a row, for a specific intention.
Why is Saint Jude the patron of difficult cases?
Because for centuries his name was confused with Judas Iscariot and few prayed to him; tradition says that is why he cares especially for those who turn to him when they no longer know whom to ask. He is the apostle Jude Thaddeus, brother of James the Less, not the traitor.
What do I ask for in the novena?
Whatever you truly need: health, work, a debt, peace in the family, a hard decision. The intention is said at the start of each night. The novena is not a bargain with the saint, but nine days of trust in God with his intercession.
Can it be prayed with children?
Yes. With small children you can read only the day's reading and the prayer of the day, which take two minutes. In the Cordeo app the novena is narrated so you can listen together before bed.
Other prayers
- Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Christmas Novena
- Advent as a family: a prayer for every night
- The Holy Rosary: how to pray it step by step
- Las Posadas: the litany and the songs, with full lyrics
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, in the public domain.