St. Jude, stay with me. Though the journey of learning is long and often difficult, your quiet presence gives me courage. Sustain my trust in myself, my teachers, and fellow students. Help me to let go of my fears and believe in the growth that is happening, even though I may not see it right away. As I embark again on this mission of study, I ask for the grace to be wise in mind and word, compassionate at heart, and full of energy and zeal as I seek to learn the ways of God’s world and come to understand how my gifts may serve their best purpose. Amen.
A few weeks ago, I shared a story of a mother who taught in the elementary school in her community for more than a decade, but was laid off along with other teachers at the end of the last school year. Being laid off from the work she loved was devastating. She never saw it coming because she thought that her love of what she did translated into job security. She was very good with the kids, but she embraced her condition with hope and trust in God. She has since been hired as a substitute teacher while she continues to search for a full time position.
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, friend of Jesus, I place myself in your care at this difficult time. Pray for me; help me know that I need not face my troubles alone. Please join me in my need, asking God to send me consolation in my sorrow, courage in my fear, and healing in the midst of my suffering.