Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony – St. Anthony Shrine

The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony is one of the most beloved devotions in the Catholic tradition. Known as the patron saint of lost items and lost causes, Saint Anthony of Padua is cherished by millions of faithful who turn to him in times of urgent need. His life of humility, powerful preaching, and deep love for Christ has made him a trusted intercessor for centuries.

At the St. Anthony Shrine, this prayer continues to inspire hope and comfort among those seeking guidance, healing, or restoration. The word “unfailing” reflects the deep trust believers place in his intercession—not as magic, but as a faithful appeal to God through a saint known for compassion and miracles. Whether prayed for lost belongings, spiritual direction, or personal struggles, this devotion invites hearts to approach God with confidence and unwavering faith.

Light A Candle

A Candle Lit in Faith at St. Anthony’s Shrine Blessed St. Anthony, I come before your shrine and light this candle as an act of faith. Just as you were a beacon of God’s light during your time on earth, may this flame represent my unwavering trust that you will carry my petition to the throne of grace. Hear my prayer, dear saint, and intercede for me.

A Candle for Lost Things Dear St. Anthony, patron of all that is lost, I light this candle and lift my heart to you. What I have lost weighs heavily upon me — whether it be a possession, a relationship, or my peace of mind. Through your powerful intercession, help me find what I seek, and may this flame guide it back to me.

The Unfailing Light of Intercession O glorious St. Anthony, your prayers before God have never been known to fail. I light this candle at your shrine as a sign of my confident hope. Just as this flame does not waver, so does my belief in your intercession remain steady. Present my needs to our Lord Jesus Christ and obtain for me the grace I humbly ask.

A Candle for the Desperate and Hopeless St. Anthony, helper of all who are in need, I light this candle from a place of desperation. My burden is great and my strength is small. You who worked countless miracles during your life and beyond — look upon my helpless state with compassion and bring my cause before the merciful heart of God.

A Candle of Gratitude to St. Anthony Dearest St. Anthony, I light this candle not in petition, but in thanksgiving. You heard my cry, you carried my prayer, and God in His mercy answered. May this flame burn as a testament to your powerful intercession and as an offering of my grateful heart before your holy shrine.

A Candle for Family and Loved Ones Holy St. Anthony, I light this candle for those I love. Wrap your mantle of protection around my family and carry them in your prayers. You who held the Christ Child in your arms, hold my loved ones in your care. Let this flame represent each precious soul I lift to God through you.

A Candle for Spiritual Renewal St. Anthony, great preacher and Doctor of the Church, I light this candle seeking not just earthly help but spiritual renewal. Intercede for my soul. Pray that I may grow closer to God, deepen my faith, and walk more faithfully in the light of Christ. May this candle remind me daily of my call to holiness.

The Unfailing Prayer by Candlelight O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy to possess miraculous powers while on earth. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me the grace I so earnestly desire. As I light this candle at your shrine, I unite my prayer with the countless souls who have knelt here before me, trusting in your unfailing intercession. St. Anthony, hear my prayer and present it before God. Amen.

Pray with Us

A Prayer of Welcome to the Shrine Lord, we gather at the feet of St. Anthony, your faithful servant and wonder-worker. As we enter this sacred shrine, open our hearts to receive the graces You pour out through his powerful intercession. May all who come here leave transformed by Your mercy and love.

The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (mention your request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle — even so, you are the saint of miracles. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whispered my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. Amen.

A Prayer for Lost Things St. Anthony, patron of lost things and wandering souls, we come to pray with you today. Help us find not only what is lost in the natural — our belongings, our direction, our peace — but also what is lost in the spiritual. Lead us back to God, who is the source of all we seek.

A Prayer for Those Who Feel Unheard Father, we lift up every person who has prayed and prayed and feels as though heaven is silent. Through the intercession of St. Anthony, whose prayers never failed, they restored their faith. Remind them that You hear every whisper of a desperate heart, and that Your answer is always on the way.

A Prayer for Miracles O God, You glorified St. Anthony by granting him the power to work miracles in Your name. As we pray together at this shrine, we boldly ask You for the impossible in our lives. Increase our faith to believe that nothing is too hard for You, and let St. Anthony’s unfailing intercession carry our needs before Your throne.

A Prayer of Community Intercession St. Anthony, you never turned away a soul in need. We come together today — as a community of believers — bringing the prayers of the sick, the grieving, the struggling, and the hopeful. Unite our voices into one prayer. Present them before Christ, the Infant Jesus you held so tenderly in your arms.

A Prayer of Gratitude at the Shrine Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of St. Anthony — his life of faith, his compassion for the poor, and his powerful intercession that continues to this day. We thank You for this shrine, a place where hearts meet heaven. As we pray with one another here, may we leave with renewed hope, answered prayers, and a deeper love for You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Attend Mass

A Prayer Before Attending Mass Lord Jesus, as I prepare to enter Your house and gather at Your table, quiet my mind and open my heart. Let me not come out of habit or routine, but with a genuine hunger for Your presence. May every word spoken, every hymn sung, and every prayer offered draw me closer to You. Amen.

A Prayer for Full Participation at Mass Father, teaches me to be fully present at Mass — not just in body, but in spirit. Help me to listen deeply to Your Word, to pray sincerely with the congregation, and to receive the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude. Let nothing distract me from encountering You in this holy sacrifice.

A Prayer for Those Who Have Stopped Attending Mass Lord, we lift up every soul who has drifted away from the Mass. Whether through doubt, hurt, busyness, or indifference, gently call them back. May they feel the emptiness of Your absence and the warmth of Your welcome when they return to Your table once more.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving After Mass Gracious God, thank You for the gift of the Mass — where heaven and earth meet, where Your Son is made truly present, and where we are nourished for the journey ahead. Carry what I have received today into every moment of my week, that I may live as a reflection of the Eucharist I have received.

A Prayer for Families Who Attend Mass Together Lord, bless every family that gathers in Your name at Sunday Mass. Strengthen the faith of parents as they lead their children to Your altar. May attending Mass together become the foundation of their home — the source of their unity, their peace, and their hope in You.

A Prayer for a Deeper Love of the Mass Jesus, forgive me for the times I have attended Mass without truly appreciating the miracle taking place before me. Open my eyes to see what the Mass truly is — Your sacrifice re-presented, Your Body and Blood offered, Your grace poured out freely. Deepen my love for this great gift, now and always. Amen.

Make A Gift

A Prayer of Generosity Lord, stir within us a spirit of generosity that flows not from obligation but from a heart overflowing with gratitude. You have given us everything — our lives, our breath, our daily blessings. Teach us to give freely, joyfully, and without hesitation, knowing that every good gift we offer returns to You.

A Prayer Before Making a Gift Father, as I prepare to make this gift, I offer it first to You. May it not simply be a transaction but an act of worship. Bless the hands that give and multiply what is offered, so that it may go far beyond what I could ever imagine to accomplish for Your kingdom.

A Prayer for Those Who Give Sacrificially God, we honor those who give not from their abundance but from their need. Like the widow who gave her last two coins, they trust You completely with what little they have. Meet their faith with Your faithfulness. Provide for them abundantly as they have given abundantly to others.

A Prayer for the Mission of St. Anthony Shrine Lord, we ask You to bless every gift made to this shrine. May each donation become an instrument of Your grace — feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, sheltering the poor, and proclaiming Your mercy to all who enter these doors. Let no gift go without purpose in Your hands.

A Prayer to Overcome the Fear of Giving Father, we confess that fear sometimes holds us back from giving — fear of not having enough, fear of the future, fear of letting go. Replace that fear with faith. Remind us of Your promise that those who give generously will never lack. Help us to trust You enough to open our hands.

A Prayer for Cheerful Givers Lord, Your Word tells us that You love a cheerful giver. Remove from us any resentment, reluctance, or heaviness when we are called to give. Fill us instead with joy — the joy of knowing our gift matters, our sacrifice is seen, and our contribution is building something far greater than ourselves.

A Prayer for Donors and Benefactors Gracious God, we lift up every person who has ever made a gift to support Your work in this place. Bless them in their homes, their families, and their finances. Let the generosity they have sown into this ministry return to them pressed down, shaken together, and running over, according to Your promise.

A Prayer of Dedication Over Every Gift Holy Spirit, we dedicate every gift made here to Your glory alone. Let no offering be wasted and no act of generosity go unnoticed by You. May the gifts made today plant seeds that grow into a harvest of transformed lives, restored hope, and deepened faith for generations to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Buy Mass Cards

A Prayer When Purchasing a Mass Card Lord Jesus, as I purchase this Mass Card, I offer it as an act of love for someone dear to my heart. May the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered in their name bring them comfort, healing, and the assurance that they are held in prayer. Let this simple gesture carry the weight of Your boundless mercy.

A Prayer for the Living Honored by a Mass Card Father, we lift up every person who will receive a Mass Card in their name. Whether they are sick, grieving, struggling, or celebrating, may the grace of the Mass wash over their lives like a gentle wave of Your love. Let them feel the prayers of the Church surrounding them in their moment of need.

A Prayer for the Souls of the Departed Eternal God, we offer this Mass Card in memory of those who have gone before us. Through the powerful intercession of St. Anthony and the merits of the Holy Sacrifice, grant them eternal rest. May perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in the peace of Your everlasting presence.

A Prayer for Those Who Cannot Find Words Lord, there are moments when grief is too deep and love is too great for words. In those moments, let a Mass Card speak what the heart cannot express. May this sacred gift become a bridge between souls — a reminder that we are never alone in our suffering or our joy.

A Prayer for the Tradition of Mass Cards Gracious God, we thank You for the beautiful tradition of honoring one another through the offering of Mass. As we carry on this act of faith passed down through generations, may it never become routine but remain a deeply meaningful expression of our belief in the communion of saints and the power of united prayer.

A Prayer for Families Receiving Mass Cards in Times of Loss Father, comforts every family who receives a Mass Card following the death of a loved one. May it remind them that their loss has not gone unnoticed, that the Church prays with them, and that the one they mourn is remembered before Your altar. Let it be a source of peace in the midst of unbearable sorrow.

A Prayer of Blessing Over Every Mass Card Sent Holy Spirit, bless every Mass Card that leaves this shrine and travels into the hands of a waiting soul. May it arrive at exactly the right moment — when hope is fading, when loneliness is heavy, or when a heart simply needs to know it is loved. Let each card carry with it the warmth of Your presence and the promise of Your unfailing care. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony?

The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony is a devotional prayer asking for the intercession of Saint Anthony of Padua in times of need, especially for lost items, difficult situations, or special intentions.

Why is St. Anthony known for finding lost things?

St. Anthony became associated with lost items after a story in which a stolen book of his was returned through prayer. Since then, many faithful have experienced help through his intercession.

Is the prayer truly “unfailing”?

The term “unfailing” reflects strong faith and trust. While prayers are always answered according to God’s will, many believers testify to powerful help received through St. Anthony’s intercession.

How often should I pray to St. Anthony?

You can pray to him anytime you feel the need. Some people pray the Unfailing Prayer daily, while others turn to it during specific challenges.

Can non-Catholics pray to St. Anthony?

Yes. Anyone seeking comfort, guidance, or help may ask for his intercession with sincere faith.

What should I do after my prayer is answered?

It is customary to give thanks to God and honor St. Anthony, often by sharing your testimony, lighting a candle, or making a small charitable act in gratitude.

Where can I pray the Unfailing Prayer?

You may pray anywhere—at home, in church, or at a shrine dedicated to St. Anthony. What matters most is a sincere and faithful heart.

Does St. Anthony only help with lost items?

No. While he is famous for helping find lost things, many people pray to him for healing, relationships, employment, and other personal needs.

Conclusion

The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony continues to be a source of hope, comfort, and renewed faith for countless believers around the world. Through the loving intercession of Saint Anthony of Padua, many have experienced peace in difficult moments and guidance when they felt lost—both spiritually and physically.

While every prayer is answered according to God’s perfect will, this devotion reminds us to trust wholeheartedly, remain patient, and give thanks in all circumstances. With sincere faith and gratitude, we can confidently place our needs before God, knowing we are never alone in our struggles.