POWERFUL NOVENA TO SAINT JAMES THE GREATER, APOSTLE – DAY 1 (For Guidance and Wisdom)

Brief biographical Notes: St. James the Greater was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and is often distinguished by his close relationship with Jesus. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of John the Apostle. James and John, known as the “Sons of Thunder,” were among the first disciples called by Jesus. They left their fishing nets and family to follow Him, demonstrating their profound commitment and faith. James was part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with Peter and John, witnessing significant events such as the Transfiguration and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. This close association highlights his prominent role among the Apostles. James is not to be confused with James the Less, who is also one of the Twelve Apostles but is believed to be the son of Alphaeus. James the Less is sometimes identified with James, the brother of Jesus, who played a leading role in the Jerusalem Church and is often associated with the Epistle of James in the New Testament. James the Greater’s zeal and fervor for Christ led to his martyrdom. According to Acts 12:1-2, he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I, making him the first Apostle to be martyred. His remains are traditionally believed to be enshrined in Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a major pilgrimage site that has inspired the famous Camino de Santiago. St. James the Greater is the patron saint of Spain, pilgrims, and labourers. Pilgrims have revered his shrine at Santiago de Compostela for centuries, embarking on the Camino de Santiago as a spiritual journey in his honour. His feast day is celebrated on July 25, and he is often depicted with symbols of pilgrimage such as a scallop shell, a pilgrim’s hat, and a staff.

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Opening Prayer for Day 1

O Glorious St. James, Apostle of Christ, we begin this novena seeking your powerful intercession. You left everything to follow Jesus and became one of His closest companions. As you journeyed with Him, you witnessed His divine wisdom and guidance. Pray for us that we may receive the wisdom and guidance we need to navigate the complexities of life, discern God’s will, and follow it faithfully. Help us to seek and trust in the wisdom that comes from above, and to apply it in our daily decisions and interactions. Through your example and prayers, may we grow in our ability to listen to and heed the voice of God. Amen. (Add your personal intention).

Scriptural Reading, Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 1)

Saint James the Great

Matthew 4:21-22 – “Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father, Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

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Meditative Prayer: St. James, you left behind your livelihood, your family, and everything you knew to follow Jesus without hesitation. This act of trust and obedience reflects your openness to divine wisdom and guidance. In our lives, we often face decisions that challenge our faith and require us to trust in God’s plan. Reflect on your immediate response to Jesus’ call, and inspire us to do the same. Help us to recognize the moments when God calls us to step out in faith and to trust that His wisdom will guide us through. We ask for your intercession to cultivate hearts that are always ready to respond to God’s guidance with the same eagerness and trust that you displayed.

Litany to St. James the Greater:

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

St. James, close companion of Jesus, pray for us.
St. James, who witnessed the Transfiguration, pray for us.
St. James, who desired to drink the cup of Jesus, pray for us.
St. James, patron of pilgrims, pray for us.
St. James, preacher of the Gospel, pray for us.
St. James, faithful to the end, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O glorious St. James, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

ST. JAMES-THE APOSTLE | A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGEConcluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of St. James, grant us the wisdom and guidance we seek. May we always rely on Your divine direction in our lives. Help us to discern Your will and to follow it faithfully, trusting in Your wisdom and providence. May we grow in our ability to listen to Your voice and to act upon it with courage and conviction. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing+

Through the intercession of St. James the Greater, may Almighty God bless us + in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Seminário Padre Pedro Magnone, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com

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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today? 

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Chinaka Justin Mbaeri

A staunch Roman Catholic and an Apologist of the Christian faith. More about him here.

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Nancy
Nancy
3 months ago

Amen

Uba, Susanna Chiebone
Uba, Susanna Chiebone
3 months ago

St.Janes the Greater pray for that we may always listen and fellow the voice of God in all our activities in life.

Comfort Edewor
Comfort Edewor
3 months ago

St James pray for us to gain the trust and confidence you had in Christ Jesus

Roselyn Demawa
Roselyn Demawa
3 months ago

St. James patron of pilgrims pray for us

Chris Onyegbule
Chris Onyegbule
3 months ago

May Saint James the greater Apostle of Jesus intercede for us to God. Amen.

Anazodo Cecilia
Anazodo Cecilia
3 months ago

Amen.

Leticia Otomewo
Leticia Otomewo
3 months ago

St James the Greater… please Pray for Me that GOD Almighty will hear and answer all my Petitions, Amen!!

Adeyanju Adenike Regina
Adeyanju Adenike Regina
3 months ago

St. James, close companion of Jesus, pray for us. Amen

Justina Akende
Justina Akende
3 months ago

St James, the Greater, pray for us

Nwadigo Chinyere
Nwadigo Chinyere
3 months ago

St. James, close companion of Jesus, pray for us.

Blessing Thompson. #147
Blessing Thompson. #147
3 months ago

St. James i hand over my husband Akin to you and our Lord Jesus christ amen

Innocent chibuike
Innocent chibuike
3 months ago

St James ,pray for us

Ezeugwu Eucharia #G6sssa3 Done
Ezeugwu Eucharia #G6sssa3 Done
3 months ago

St James, faithful to the end, pray for us

Anthonia Leesi Nwidadah
Anthonia Leesi Nwidadah
3 months ago

At James the Greater, pray for us & grant us the discernment to recognize the voice of Christ & follow Him as you did, Amen!

Philomena
Philomena
3 months ago

There is so much noise in the world today. Including prophesies, advice, noisy worship and others. Please St James, grant us the Spirit of discernment and obedience to God’s holy will. Amen.

Victoria Agbonyeme
Victoria Agbonyeme
3 months ago

St, James pray for us that we may have confident in the wisdom of God. AMEEEEEEEEEEEN.

Adebayo Olabode Micheal
Adebayo Olabode Micheal
3 months ago

Through the intercession of St. James the Greater, may Almighty God crown all our efforts in this Novena with success

Mrs. Olachi Peters
Mrs. Olachi Peters
3 months ago

St James pray for us Amen.

Florence Agbidye
Florence Agbidye
3 months ago

Amen

Pat Igbenije
Pat Igbenije
3 months ago

St James the greater Apostle
Pray for us

Ujumax
Ujumax
3 months ago

Pray for us St James

Bamigboye Margaret
Bamigboye Margaret
3 months ago

Amen

Jacy Maria Egbeh St Catherine, pray for the conver
Jacy Maria Egbeh St Catherine, pray for the conver
3 months ago

St James the greater pray for me .

Adakole Anita Ada
Adakole Anita Ada
3 months ago

Holy Trinity One God have mercy on us

Oby Ralph
Oby Ralph
3 months ago

Through the intercession of St James the greater may God bless and protect us Amen

Miriam Akaakase
Miriam Akaakase
3 months ago

St. James, patron of pilgrims, pray for us.

Adaeze
Adaeze
3 months ago

Amen.
St. James, please pray for us. Amen.

Linda John Ojeyokan
Linda John Ojeyokan
3 months ago

St James the greater, pray for us.
Amen

Aromashodu Bisi
Aromashodu Bisi
3 months ago

Saint James the greater pray for us. Amen

Phyllis Joseph Nweke
Phyllis Joseph Nweke
3 months ago

Amen

Catherine Adaugo Uzoma
Catherine Adaugo Uzoma
3 months ago

St James the greater, pray for us

uju chukAmenwuma
uju chukAmenwuma
3 months ago

May you always guide me and my family Lord…

Oketola M.O
Oketola M.O
3 months ago

Amen and Amen.
St James the greater , faithful follower of the saviour,
Pray for . Amen..

Okereafor Nkechi Valentina
Okereafor Nkechi Valentina
3 months ago

St James the Greater Apostle, grant us the Wisdom and Guidance to navigate all the schemes and plans of the evil ones in this troubled world. Amen

Isioma Okolo
Isioma Okolo
3 months ago

St James, help us to discern God’s will and to follow it faithfully, trusting in Your wisdom and providence. Amen

Last edited 3 months ago by Isioma Okolo
Dennis Ukange
Dennis Ukange
3 months ago

St James the Greater brother of John and disciple of Jesus, pray for me and my family amen

Miriam Chigbu
Miriam Chigbu
3 months ago

St. James, faithful to the end, pray for me, my husband, my children and my siblings through Christ our Lord Amen

Chizoba
Chizoba
3 months ago

Amen

Regina Achie Nege
Regina Achie Nege
3 months ago

Sr. James the Greater, pray for me!

Scholastica Andrew-Ugwuorah
Scholastica Andrew-Ugwuorah
3 months ago

St James the Greater, pray for us, Amen!

Emilia
Emilia
3 months ago

Amen

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