St Anthony Prayer for Lost Things
The st anthony prayer for lost things is among the most beloved petitions in Catholic devotion, turned to by countless people searching for misplaced keys, documents, or even peace of heart. Saint Anthony of Padua, a Franciscan friar and Doctor of the Church, is honored as the patron saint of lost and missing things. The popular tradition of invoking him traces back to a story from his own life, when a novice took his prized psalter and Anthony's prayers brought about its return.
Generations have since echoed the simple rhyme asking him to help find what is lost. On this page you will find both the well-loved traditional prayer and a more formal petition to Saint Anthony. Whether you seek a lost object or a lost soul, his intercession invites you to trust that nothing is truly beyond God's providence, and that what is sought in faith is often found.
The Traditional St. Anthony Prayer (Popular Version)
Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around; something is lost and cannot be found. Amen.
A Formal Prayer to St. Anthony for Lost Things
O blessed Saint Anthony, the grace of God has made you a powerful advocate in all our needs and the patron for the recovery of things lost or stolen. I turn to you today with childlike trust. Help me to find what I have lost, and more than this, help me always to seek the things that truly matter: the grace of God and the salvation of my soul. Restore to me what I need, and teach me to be grateful for all God's gifts. Amen.
When Something Is Lost
Dear God, I come to You today with empty hands and a restless heart, because something I value has slipped out of my keeping. Through the intercession of St. Anthony, who spent his life pointing others to You, I ask for the calm to search well and the patience not to despair. You see what I cannot see; nothing is hidden from Your eyes, and not a single sparrow falls without Your knowledge. Steady my mind so that worry does not blind me to what may be right before me. Remind me that this object, however dear, is small beside the love that holds me. Teach me through St. Anthony's example to seek first the things that truly last. If what I have lost can be found, lead my steps gently toward it. If it cannot, loosen my grip and give me peace in its place. Help me to remember every kindness I still possess and every gift I have not lost. Let this small trouble become a doorway into deeper trust. I believe that You provide for Your children, as You have always provided. I lay my anxiety down at Your feet and wait in quiet hope. Whatever the outcome, keep my heart fixed on You, the giver of all good things. Thank You for hearing even this ordinary prayer. Amen.
A Breath Prayer for Searching
Holy Spirit, guide my eyes; St. Anthony, pray for me; Lord, You hold all that I have lost. Amen.
Trusting God's Providence
Father, You clothe the lilies and feed the birds of the air, so I will not be afraid for the small things that wander from my hands. You know exactly what I need before I ask. Whether You return what is lost or supply it another way, I trust Your providing care. Amen.
Scripture to pray
And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.'— Luke 15:9
Frequently asked questions
Why is St. Anthony the patron saint of lost things?
Saint Anthony is the patron saint of lost things because of a famous episode in his life: a novice took his book of psalms, and after Anthony prayed, the novice was moved to return it. From this account grew the centuries-old custom of asking his intercession to recover lost or missing items.
How do you pray to St. Anthony for something lost?
To pray to Saint Anthony for something lost, ask him to intercede for you before God, often using the traditional words: 'Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around; something is lost and cannot be found.' Pray with trust and gratitude, remembering that you are asking him to pray with you to God, who alone provides.
Who was Saint Anthony of Padua?
Saint Anthony of Padua was a 13th-century Franciscan friar, renowned preacher, and Doctor of the Church. Known for his profound knowledge of Scripture and his miracles, he is invoked as the patron of lost things, the poor, and travelers.
Is there a specific prayer to St. Anthony for lost keys, a wallet, or a pet?
The same traditional prayer works for any lost item — keys, a wallet, jewelry, or even a lost pet: "Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around; something is lost and cannot be found." Simply hold the specific item or pet in mind as you pray; the words don't need to change.