Miraculous Prayer to Jesus and the Holy Apostles (13 Blessed Souls) for urgent needs. You can pray this for 13 days straight (once a day), or 13 hours straight (once every hour).
Oh my thirteen Blessed souls so wise and understanding,
I ask you for the Love of God that my request be answered.
Oh my thirteen Blessed souls so wise and understanding,
I ask you for the Love of God that my request be answered.
Of you I ask for the sake of the blood
that Jesus shed that my request be answered.
My Lord Jesus Christ
that your protection wrap me with your arms.
Guard me with your eyes.
O God of kindness
you have been my defender in life and death.
I ask that you free me from the difficulties that torment me.
My thirteen blessed souls so wise and understanding
having received the grace I seek from you
(mention your specific intention)
I will be devoted to you.
Amen.
Remember to publish or share the prayer immediately after the thirteenth day or thirteenth hour as thanksgiving.
May Jesus and His Holy Apostles (13 Blessed Souls) intercede for your needs today and always.
What is the Miraculous Prayer to Jesus and the Holy Apostles (13 Blessed Souls)?
The Miraculous Prayer to Jesus and the Holy Apostles, often called the prayer to the 13 Blessed Souls, is a devotional practice within some Catholic circles. It addresses Jesus Christ and His twelve apostles, collectively referred to as the “thirteen blessed souls,” asking for their intercession in times of urgent need. This prayer is not found in official Catholic liturgical texts but has circulated among the faithful as a private devotion. It is structured to be recited either once daily for 13 consecutive days or once every hour for 13 consecutive hours. The repetition of 13 reflects the inclusion of Jesus and the twelve apostles, emphasizing their collective wisdom and power. The prayer begins by invoking these “blessed souls” twice, highlighting their understanding and connection to God’s love. It then appeals to the sacrifice of Jesus, specifically His shed blood, as the basis for the request. The petitioner asks for protection and deliverance from difficulties, concluding with a promise of devotion if the grace is granted. Catholics using this prayer are encouraged to share it as an act of thanksgiving after completing the devotion. While not formally approved by the Church, it reflects a tradition of seeking intercession from Christ and the saints.
Why is this prayer associated with urgent needs?
This prayer is linked to urgent needs due to its focus on immediate divine intervention and protection. The text explicitly asks for freedom from “difficulties that torment me,” suggesting it is intended for pressing or distressing situations. The urgency is further implied by the option to pray it over 13 hours straight, a more intense commitment than the daily 13-day format. In Catholic theology, urgent needs often prompt the faithful to turn to intercessors like Jesus and the apostles, who are seen as powerful advocates before God. The reference to Jesus’ blood underscores the gravity of the plea, tying it to His redemptive sacrifice, which is central to Christian belief (John 3:16). The apostles, as witnesses to Christ’s ministry and martyrdom, are believed to have a special closeness to Him, enhancing their intercessory role. The prayer’s structure—repetitive and direct—mirrors other Catholic devotions, like novenas, which are often used in times of crisis. Its promise of devotion in return for answered prayers aligns with a tradition of conditional vows, common in personal piety. Though not an official teaching, this association with urgency resonates with the faithful seeking swift aid. It offers a structured way to express trust in God’s mercy through Christ and His chosen apostles.
How does the number 13 relate to this prayer?
The number 13 in this prayer corresponds directly to Jesus and His twelve apostles, forming the group known as the “13 Blessed Souls.” In Catholic tradition, the apostles are the original followers chosen by Christ to spread His message, as detailed in the Gospels (Matthew 10:2-4). Including Jesus with them totals 13, a number not typically symbolic in official Church doctrine but significant in this specific devotion. The repetition of the prayer over 13 days or hours reinforces this connection, emphasizing each figure’s role in the petitioner’s plea. Unlike some cultures where 13 is considered unlucky, here it carries a positive connotation tied to Christ’s leadership and the apostles’ sanctity. The prayer’s text does not explain the number’s deeper meaning, but its use likely stems from a folk tradition rather than formal theology. Some speculate it mirrors the 13 days of mourning or preparation found in certain Christian customs, though no direct link exists. The focus remains on the collective intercession of these 13 figures, seen as wise and understanding. This distinguishes it from other devotions, like the Nine First Fridays, which use different numerical patterns. Ultimately, 13 serves as a practical and symbolic framework for this private prayer.
Is this prayer officially recognized by the Catholic Church?
The Miraculous Prayer to Jesus and the Holy Apostles is not officially recognized by the Catholic Church as part of its liturgy or doctrine. It does not appear in the Catechism of the Catholic Church or in approved prayer books like the Roman Missal. Instead, it belongs to the category of private devotions, which Catholics are free to practice as long as they align with Church teaching (see CCC 1674-1676 on popular piety). The prayer’s emphasis on Jesus’ sacrifice and the intercession of the apostles is consistent with Catholic beliefs about Christ’s redemptive work and the communion of saints. However, its specific wording and the directive to pray for 13 days or hours lack formal ecclesiastical approval. The Church typically evaluates devotions for theological accuracy and spiritual benefit before granting recognition, as seen with the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. This prayer’s origins are unclear, likely emerging from grassroots traditions rather than official sources. Catholics using it should ensure it complements, rather than replaces, approved practices like the Mass or sacraments. The instruction to publish or share it as thanksgiving is a common feature in folk devotions but not a Church mandate. Thus, while permissible, it remains an unofficial expression of faith.
How does this prayer fit into Catholic teaching on intercession?
This prayer aligns with Catholic teaching on intercession by invoking Jesus and the apostles as mediators before God. The Church teaches that Christ is the primary intercessor between humanity and God (see CCC 2634), as He is the mediator of the New Covenant (1 Timothy 2:5). The apostles, as saints, share in this role through their union with Christ in heaven, a concept rooted in the communion of saints (CCC 956). The prayer’s appeal to Jesus’ shed blood reflects His redemptive sacrifice, a cornerstone of Catholic soteriology (CCC 613). Asking the apostles for help is consistent with the practice of seeking saintly intercession, as they are believed to pray for the faithful on earth (CCC 2683). The repeated invocation of the “thirteen blessed souls” emphasizes their collective authority, though this specific grouping is not a formal Church doctrine. The request for protection and deliverance mirrors prayers like the Our Father (Matthew 6:13), showing reliance on divine aid. The promise of devotion if the prayer is answered reflects a personal commitment, not a transactional obligation, aligning with free response to grace (CCC 2002). While the prayer’s format is unique, its theology fits within the broader framework of Catholic intercessory prayer. It serves as a personal plea rather than a universal liturgical act.
What is the significance of repeating parts of the prayer?
The repetition in this prayer, particularly the opening lines addressing the “thirteen blessed souls,” serves both a practical and spiritual purpose. Repeating “Oh my thirteen Blessed souls so wise and understanding, I ask you for the Love of God that my request be answered” twice emphasizes the petitioner’s earnestness and focus on the intercessors’ wisdom. In Catholic tradition, repetition in prayer, as seen in the Rosary or litanies, aids meditation and reinforces intent. Here, it draws attention to the apostles and Jesus as a unified group, amplifying their perceived power to assist. The structure mirrors other devotions where key phrases are restated to deepen faith and concentration. Spiritually, it reflects a humble persistence, akin to the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), encouraging steadfastness in prayer. Practically, it ensures the petitioner remains mindful of the prayer’s purpose—urgent need—throughout the recitation. The repetition does not imply magical efficacy but rather a disciplined approach to seeking grace. It also distinguishes this prayer from shorter, singular petitions, marking it as a sustained act of trust. Overall, this feature enhances its role as a focused, heartfelt appeal within personal devotion.
Can this prayer be adapted or changed?
Catholics may adapt the Miraculous Prayer to Jesus and the Holy Apostles within certain limits, as it is a private devotion rather than a fixed liturgical text. The Church permits flexibility in personal prayers as long as they remain theologically sound (CCC 2559). For instance, one might adjust the wording to reflect personal circumstances while preserving the core intent—asking Jesus and the apostles for help. However, changing the reference to the “thirteen blessed souls” or the 13-day/hour structure could alter its traditional character. The mention of Jesus’ blood and the apostles’ intercession should remain, as these tie the prayer to Catholic beliefs about redemption and sainthood (CCC 613, 956). Adding personal intentions after “having received the grace I seek from you” is already part of the prayer’s design, allowing customization. Omitting the promise of devotion might weaken its spirit of gratitude, a key aspect of Christian prayer (CCC 2638). The instruction to share it afterward is a tradition, not a requirement, so it could be skipped without theological issue. Any adaptation should avoid contradicting Church doctrine, such as implying the apostles act independently of God’s will. Thus, while adaptable, the prayer’s essence should stay intact to maintain its purpose.
What role does thanksgiving play in this prayer?
Thanksgiving is a significant element of this prayer, as evidenced by the instruction to publish or share it after the 13th day or hour. In Catholic teaching, gratitude is a vital response to God’s grace, reflecting the call to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; CCC 2638). The act of sharing the prayer serves as a public acknowledgment of answered petitions, fostering communal faith. This mirrors practices in other devotions, where testimonies of grace received strengthen others’ trust in God. The prayer itself does not include a thanksgiving section within its text, focusing instead on the request and promise of devotion. However, the post-prayer action implies that gratitude is expected once the need is met. This aligns with the Church’s emphasis on prayer as a relationship with God, not a mere transaction (CCC 2558). By spreading the prayer, the petitioner fulfills a vow of devotion, linking personal relief to broader witness. It also encourages perseverance, as the faithful see evidence of intercession. While not mandatory, this step reinforces the prayer’s communal and grateful spirit, distinguishing it from purely private supplications.
How does this prayer compare to other Catholic novenas?
This prayer shares similarities with Catholic novenas but has distinct features. Like traditional novenas, it involves a set period of prayer—13 days or hours—focused on a specific intention, a practice rooted in the nine days the apostles prayed before Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Novenas typically honor a saint or mystery, whereas this prayer addresses Jesus and the apostles collectively as the “13 Blessed Souls.” Most novenas span nine days, reflecting the Greek root “novem” (nine), while this one’s 13-day or 13-hour format is unusual and tied to its unique recipients. Both include intercession and repetition, but this prayer lacks the additional prayers (e.g., Our Father, Hail Mary) often found in novenas, though some versions suggest them. Its focus on urgent needs resembles novenas to St. Jude or St. Expedite, known for swift aid. The promise of devotion and sharing aligns with novena traditions of gratitude (CCC 2638). Unlike approved novenas, such as the Divine Mercy, it lacks Church endorsement, marking it as a folk devotion. Its brevity and flexibility contrast with longer, structured novenas. Thus, it fits the novena category loosely, blending tradition with a distinct numerical and thematic approach.
Who can pray this prayer, and when?
Anyone can pray the Miraculous Prayer to Jesus and the Holy Apostles, as it is a private devotion open to all seeking divine help. Catholics typically use it, given its references to Jesus’ blood and the apostles’ intercession, which align with Church beliefs (CCC 613, 956). Non-Catholics may also pray it if they accept its Christian framework, though its Catholic tone might not suit all. The prayer is designed for urgent needs, making it suitable whenever someone faces serious difficulties—financial, health-related, or otherwise. There’s no restriction on timing; it can be recited day or night, alone or with others, over 13 days or 13 hours based on the situation’s intensity. The Church encourages prayer at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17), so no season or circumstance excludes its use. It requires no priestly oversight, unlike sacramental rites, reflecting its personal nature (CCC 1674). The only expectation is a sincere intention and willingness to honor the promise of devotion if answered. Its accessibility makes it a versatile tool for those in distress, regardless of their spiritual maturity or location.