In the Catholic Church he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.
According to tradition, after his martyrdom, pilgrims went to his grave to pray and many of them experienced the powerful intercessions of St. Jude. Thus the title, ‘The Saint for the Hopeless and the Despaired’.
St. Bridget and St. Bernard had visions from God asking each to accept St. Jude as ‘The Patron Saint of the Impossible.’
It is my understanding that all Saint Jude asks is that when your prayer is answered you tell people about him.
Here’s the prayer to St. Jude:
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, I place myself into your hands at this difficult time. Help me to know that I am not alone. Please pray for me, asking God to send me comfort for my sorrows, bravery for my fears, and healing for my suffering.