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.

_________________________________________

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)

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.”

______________________

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.

Concluding 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.

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

PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?