There’s something deeply grounding about lighting a candle in the quiet of early morning, the world still stretching and yawning around you, and whispering a prayer to a saint. No incense, no perfect words, just that small, stubborn hope in your chest.
I’ve been writing about faith, spirituality, and all the messy beauty in between for over 20 years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: prayer isn’t a performance. Especially when it comes to praying to saints. It’s a conversation. It’s messy, it’s real, and sometimes it sounds a lot like, “Hey Saint Anthony, I lost my keys again… help?”
So, if you’re here wondering how to pray to a saint without feeling like you’re doing it “wrong,” grab a cup of coffee (or tea, no judgment), and let’s chat.
How Do You Start a Prayer to a Saint?
Starting a prayer to a saint doesn’t require fanfare or formal language. Honestly, it’s kind of like calling a trusted friend who happens to have a direct line to Heaven.
I usually start by simply addressing them:
“Saint Jude, patron of the hopeless, I need your help today.”
It doesn’t have to be poetic or polished. You can even start with, “I don’t really know what I’m doing here, but I need some guidance.” That’s more than okay.
One time, after a particularly rough day (you know, one of those Mondays that feels like a Monday), I found myself talking to Saint Therese of Lisieux while folding laundry. No candles. No kneeling. Just me, some mismatched socks, and a whispered, “I could really use a little sign of hope right now.”
That night, someone sent me a photo of roses with no explanation. Coincidence? Maybe. Comforting? Absolutely.
How Do People Pray to Saints?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to praying to saints. Some people like structure. They might pray a novena—basically, a prayer said for nine days with a specific intention. Others just talk, kind of like journaling out loud. Both ways are valid.
Think of it this way: saints aren’t spiritual vending machines. You don’t just press B12 and wait for your miracle. They’re more like spiritual companions—folks who’ve lived through messy, human struggles and now want to help from the other side.
Here’s what it might look like:
- Speak directly: “Saint Francis, help me find peace in this chaos.”
- Ask for intercession: “Saint Joseph, please pray for my family’s financial situation.”
- Express gratitude: “Thank you, Saint Rita, for helping me through that awful interview. I didn’t think I’d make it.”
Right now, with everything going on in the world—rising anxiety, the pressure to always be on, and the heavy news cycle—we need spiritual grounding more than ever. Praying to saints brings a sense of connection, not just to the divine, but to centuries of faith and resilience.
What Is an Example of Prayer to Saints?
Here’s a little sample of a prayer I’ve said before (and maybe adapted a bit over the years):
Saint Anthony, you always helped the lost—keys, wallets, peace of mind. Today, I feel a little lost myself. Help me find what I need, whether it’s courage, patience, or that important email I accidentally deleted. I trust in your care. Amen.
Notice how casual that sounds? That’s intentional. Saints aren’t looking for Shakespeare. They’re listening for sincerity.
Another favorite of mine when I’m feeling worn down is to Saint Jude:
Saint Jude, I’m feeling like things are spiraling. You’re the saint of impossible causes, and this situation feels pretty close. Be with me in this. Help me believe in hope, even when I can’t see it. Amen.
Why Praying to Saints Still Matters
In 2025, people are talking a lot about mindfulness, manifestation, and “putting things out into the universe.” Funny thing is—praying to saints isn’t all that different. It’s intention-setting with a spiritual buddy.
Whether you’re religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or just spiritually curious, prayer for saints can be part of your toolbox. They remind us that we’re never really alone, no matter how isolated life might feel sometimes.
And hey, sometimes just taking a moment to be still, breathe, and say, “Help me,” can be the most profound prayer of all.
Final Thoughts (and a Little Encouragement)
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: you can’t mess up praying to saints. It’s not a test. It’s a relationship. Talk to them like you would someone who cares about you deeply and wants the best for you—because that’s exactly who they are.
Got a saint you’re curious about? Light a candle, look up a little about their life, and start the conversation. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start.
And if you’ve got a story about how praying to saints helped you through a tough spot—or even just made you smile—drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear it. We’re all walking this path in different shoes, but a little shared faith goes a long way.
Now, go ahead—say that prayer. You’ve got this.