prayer to Saint Anthony for lost items
Losing something can feel frustrating, discouraging, and even heartbreaking. Whether it’s a cherished item, an important document, or something as simple as your house keys, the sense of loss often leaves us anxious and restless. But throughout the centuries, faithful believers have turned to one holy figure with unwavering trust—Saint Anthony of Padua.
Saint Anthony is widely known as the patron saint of lost items. His intercession is often sought when people misplace things, especially those that carry emotional, spiritual, or practical weight. It isn’t just about retrieving what was lost—it’s about finding peace in the midst of searching, trusting that nothing escapes God’s care, and remembering that we are never truly alone in our loss.
These prayer are heartfelt cries for help in specific situations. Each one leans on the grace of God and the intercession of this beloved saint who continues to walk with the broken-hearted and forgetful alike. Whether you’re looking for something minor or something monumental, these words are meant to give your heart rest while you wait.
Each prayer is meant to comfort, guide, and help you surrender the worry to God, through Saint Anthony’s kind and compassionate help.
What is prayer to Saint Anthony for lost items
The traditional prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua for lost items is a heartfelt and widely-used request for his intercession in helping people find what has been lost. Saint Anthony is known as the patron saint of lost things.
Prayer
“Saint Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find (mention your lost item).
As least restore to me peace and tranquility of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss.
To this favor, I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God. Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good.
Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God. Amen.”
Shorter version
“Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around; something is lost and can’t be found.”
You can repeat the prayer with faith and trust, asking God through Saint Anthony’s intercession to help recover the lost item.
Prayer
O glorious Saint Anthony, beloved servant and faithful friend of God, you were known during your time on earth as a gentle and humble soul, rich in compassion, wisdom, and holiness. You gave your entire life to preaching the Gospel and serving those in need. Because of your deep love for the Lord, He granted you many gifts, among which was the divine favor of restoring what was lost — not only physical items, but also peace, hope, and even lost souls.
Today, Saint Anthony, I come to you with a heavy heart. I am burdened with the loss of something dear and valuable to me. In my frustration and anxiety, I turn to you not only because you are known as the patron of lost items, but also because I trust in your powerful intercession and closeness to our merciful Lord.
Saint Anthony, I ask you with all sincerity and humility: please help me find what I have lost.
Whether it was misplaced by my own carelessness or taken through circumstances beyond my control, I ask that you plead with the Lord to illuminate my mind, open my eyes, and lead me step by step to recover this possession that has been lost.
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
(Luke 19:10)
Saint Anthony, you who spoke the truth of Christ with boldness, who lived with nothing yet possessed everything because you had Christ, you understand that what is truly valuable is not material. And yet, in your compassion for the daily needs of God’s children, you helped so many find lost objects, precious tokens, family heirlooms, money, keys, important documents, tools, even wedding rings. You brought comfort and relief to hearts who sought your help — not to glorify earthly goods, but to restore peace and trust in God’s care.
Help me now, dear Saint Anthony. Help me find (mention the lost item here) which I need and which is causing me distress. If it is God’s will that I recover it, please be my guide. Let your prayers rise like incense before the throne of God. Let the angels of the Lord go forth and bring light into the darkness of confusion and disorder.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
(Matthew 7:7)
Yet, Saint Anthony, if what I have lost cannot be returned to me, or if God in His greater wisdom has chosen not to restore it, I ask for a greater blessing — the grace to accept the loss without bitterness, and the faith to trust that the Lord will work all things together for my good. Let me not be consumed by worry or anxiety. Instead, give me peace, quiet my thoughts, and remind me that my true treasure is not in the things of this world but in the love of Christ.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
(Matthew 6:19–20)
Beloved Saint Anthony, while I ask for the return of this item, I also ask that you help me never lose what is most important — my faith, my relationship with God, my soul’s salvation, and my eternal hope in Christ. If I have been negligent, careless, or wasteful in any way, help me learn from this moment. Let me grow in virtue, responsibility, and contentment.
I also bring to your heart others who have lost something today — not just items, but those who have lost relationships, time, opportunities, peace, health, or even themselves. Intercede for them, O kind saint. Help them be restored. Let their losses lead them to the arms of Jesus, who never turns away the brokenhearted.
And now, with calmness and faith, I release my worry to you, Saint Anthony. I entrust this search to your intercession. I place my heart in God’s hands, and I rest in the knowledge that whatever is found or not found, I am never outside the reach of His care.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
(Jeremiah 29:13)
Thank you, dear Saint Anthony, for your compassion, your witness, and your unfailing intercession. You have always been a source of hope for those who seek what is lost. Pray for me now, that my petition may be heard. And when the answer comes, may I never forget to give thanks — not only to you, but to the Lord who works all things through those who love Him.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
This extended prayer can be read aloud or meditated on slowly. You may choose to light a candle or pause in silence before or after praying. Many faithful also promise to honor Saint Anthony by spreading devotion to him when their prayer is answered.
Extended Prayer
1. When Something Valuable Is Lost
We all have things that carry deep value—sentimental, emotional, or financial. Losing them can shake our sense of security.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:21
Saint Anthony, I turn to you now with a heavy heart. I’ve lost something I hold dear. Whether it holds precious memories, financial worth, or simply deep meaning, I cannot seem to find it no matter how hard I try. My mind is spinning and my soul feels unsettled. Please help me calm the storm inside and guide my steps. Just as you have helped many before me, come to my aid in this moment. Walk with me as I search. Let this lost item be found, and let my faith grow stronger in the process.
2. When You Lose Something at Home
It’s puzzling how things go missing even in the place we know best—our home. It can make us feel clumsy and forgetful.
“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:33
Saint Anthony, my own home has become a maze. I’ve looked everywhere, and yet this item is still gone. I feel silly, even embarrassed, for misplacing it. But I know you care about all that troubles the human heart, even the little things. Help me be still in this moment. Calm my nerves and remind me that you have helped people find what was lost in more desperate times. Please intercede for me so that this item returns to my hands soon. Restore peace to my heart and order to my space.
3. When You Can’t Find Important Documents
Losing papers—passports, IDs, bills—can cause deep stress. It affects your ability to move forward or fulfill obligations.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
— Isaiah 26:3
Saint Anthony, this loss weighs on me. Documents are not just papers—they hold information, access, and responsibility. I’m in a state of panic, unsure of what to do or where to look next. But I know you are close to those in distress. Please help me find what I’ve lost. Open my eyes to what I might have missed. If someone else finds it, touch their heart with honesty and kindness to return it. Guide every hand and every step, until this is resolved. May I not only find what I lost but learn to trust more deeply in God’s care for every detail of my life.
4. When a Child Loses Something Special
Children grieve differently, and a lost toy or book can bring them great sadness.
“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
— Matthew 19:14
Saint Anthony, your heart is tender toward all, especially the young. A child I know is hurting—they’ve lost something dear to them. Their little world feels a little more broken now, and I ask for your kind help. Show us where to look. Bring comfort to their heart even as we search. May this experience be an opportunity for them to grow in patience and faith, and may joy return when what was lost is found. Let this moment be full of learning and love, not frustration and tears.
5. For Lost Keys or Daily Essentials
Losing things we use every day—keys, wallets, glasses—can disrupt everything.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…”
— Psalm 37:23
Saint Anthony, I’ve lost something small but essential. It’s something I use every day, and its absence is throwing off my rhythm. I’ve retraced my steps, asked around, and even prayed silently, but now I come to you. You have helped many in need, and I trust in your guidance. Please assist me in this moment. Calm the chaos and confusion. Lead me back to what’s missing, and help me regain the peace that has been disturbed. Even in this, help me be patient and full of grace.
6. When You’ve Lost Something at Work
Workplaces can be busy and cluttered. Losing something important there brings anxiety and potential consequences.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3
Saint Anthony, I bring before you this moment of confusion and stress. Something has gone missing where I work, and it’s causing worry—not only for me but possibly for others. Please intercede for clarity and wisdom. Help me find this item, retrace my steps, and remain calm. You who have aided many in retrieving what was once thought lost, walk with me now. May this be resolved quickly and honestly, and may I grow in diligence and trust through this challenge.
7. For Misplaced Money or Wallet
Losing money—whether coins or cards—can leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable.
“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19
Saint Anthony, I’m worried because I’ve lost something of great personal use—my money, wallet, or means to live daily. It’s more than a possession—it affects how I care for myself and others. Please calm my fear and replace it with hope. Intercede for a speedy recovery. Help me trust that God sees what I cannot. Even if the item doesn’t return, may my peace return. Provide what I need today, and let this be a reminder of divine provision, not fear.
8. When an Heirloom Goes Missing
Family treasures hold stories and memories. Losing them feels like losing a part of your heritage.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
— Proverbs 22:1
Saint Anthony, this isn’t just about an object. It’s about history, memory, and legacy. A family heirloom has gone missing—something that connects me to loved ones past. I feel sorrow, not just frustration. You, who are familiar with grief and grace, please stand with me. Guide me back to what was lost, if it be God’s will. But if it is not to be found, comfort me with the memory that true inheritance lies in faith, love, and family—not in material things.
9. When Someone Else’s Item Is Lost
It’s hard when you lose something that belongs to someone else—it adds guilt and pressure to the situation.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
— Luke 6:31
Saint Anthony, I come to you not for myself, but because I’ve misplaced something that belongs to another. My heart aches at the thought of disappointing them or causing them loss. Please, intercede and help me find this item quickly. Soften their heart if I must explain. Lead me to the truth with humility and courage. Restore not just the item but the peace and trust between us. Let your compassion be my guide as I seek a way forward.
10. When a Letter or Package Goes Missing
Sometimes the lost thing is far from our hands—a letter, a shipment, a gift sent with care.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7
Saint Anthony, I feel helpless. I mailed or expected something important, and now it’s gone. Lost in transit, or in the shuffle of systems I can’t control. But I know your reach is wide, your intercession gentle yet strong. Please help guide it back to its rightful place. Whether through the hands of postal workers, a neighbor, or someone with good intentions, may it be found and delivered. Ease my mind as I wait, and fill the gap with hope instead of worry.
SEE ALSO: St Francis Prayer For Animals
11. For a Lost Book or Journal
Some books carry more than words—they hold prayers, secrets, reflections, or cherished thoughts.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
— Psalm 119:105
Saint Anthony, I’ve lost a book or journal that means more to me than paper and ink. It may hold prayers, private thoughts, or deep memories. I feel exposed or saddened, unsure where it went. You who love wisdom and knowledge, please lead me to it. Help whoever may have found it to return it or care for it well. Bring light to this loss, and comfort to my heart. And if it remains hidden, let your peace fill that space within me.
12. When You’ve Lost Something in Public
Crowded places make searching harder. The fear of theft or permanent loss increases.
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in…”
— Psalm 121:8
Saint Anthony, my heart is racing. I’ve lost something important in a public place—a street, store, or station. I feel exposed, and unsure whether someone took it or if it’s lying somewhere unnoticed. Help me think clearly and act wisely. Guide me back to it, or direct it into the hands of someone kind. Even now, I trust that not one detail escapes God’s attention. Be near to me, Saint Anthony, as I seek what’s lost in a world that often seems too fast and unfeeling.
13. When You’ve Misplaced a Gift
Losing something meant for another brings guilt, sadness, and urgency.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above…”
— James 1:17
Saint Anthony, I’ve misplaced a gift—something I chose with care and love for someone dear to me. My heart hurts because this was more than a possession—it was an act of giving, now delayed. Please help me find it. Let the message of love still reach the person it was meant for. Calm my guilt and my worry. Remind me that even when plans go astray, the love behind them never fails. Help me show that love with or without the object, but please, guide me back to it if it can be found.
14. For Peace While You Wait
Sometimes the lost thing isn’t found right away. Waiting is part of the test.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Saint Anthony, while I wait, help me be still. My mind wants to run wild with worry. I’ve looked and searched, and still, the item is gone. But I come to you, not only to find what I lost, but to find peace. Help me release control and embrace trust. Whether the answer comes today or not at all, may I be grounded in God’s perfect timing. Use this moment to shape my character and renew my dependence on Him.
15. When You’ve Lost Time or Opportunity
Not every loss is material. Sometimes it’s time, a moment, a chance you can’t get back.
“I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…”
— Joel 2:25
Saint Anthony, I don’t come to you for a thing, but for time I feel I’ve wasted or lost—an opportunity that slipped by. I feel regret, confusion, or even anger. But you, who are so close to the heart of Jesus, know how God can bring beauty out of delay. Intercede for the restoration of what can still be gained. Help me not live in what I missed, but step into what I can still become. Teach me to redeem the time, and walk boldly forward.
16. For a Lost Pet
A pet is a companion, a comfort, a little soul entrusted to us. Losing one is deeply painful.
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals…”
— Proverbs 12:10
Saint Anthony, my heart aches. My pet, my dear companion, is lost. I feel helpless, frightened, and full of longing for their safe return. You, who care for all of creation, who once caused a lost animal to be found by your prayers—please intercede. Guide them home, protect them, and bring them back safely. And if they do not return, comfort me in my sorrow. I entrust their little life into God’s tender hands through your loving care.
17. For Something Lost During Travel
Losing things in transit—during a trip, at the airport, or on the road—brings disorientation.
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
— Psalm 121:8
Saint Anthony, I was moving, traveling, journeying—and somewhere in the shuffle, I lost something important. I feel thrown off, uncertain of what to do next. Be my guide and advocate. Help me recover what was lost. May whoever finds it be honest and helpful. If it’s gone for good, then grant me the peace to accept it and the clarity to know what next steps to take. Walk with me on every road, and keep my heart secure, even if my possessions are not.
18. When a Lost Item Causes Conflict
Sometimes a missing item stirs tension between loved ones. It’s not just about what’s missing—but about trust.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
— Proverbs 15:1
Saint Anthony, what was lost has stirred up conflict between me and someone I care about. Whether they blame me or I blame myself, peace has been disrupted. I ask you not only to help us find the missing item, but to heal the misunderstanding. May grace be stronger than accusation. May trust be restored before the object is. Be near to our hearts and remind us that relationships matter more than things. Lead us into healing, honesty, and humility.
19. For Children Who’ve Lost Something Important
When a child loses something dear, it can feel like a huge loss to them. Our compassion must guide them.
“Let the little children come to me…”
— Matthew 19:14
Saint Anthony, I lift up this little one who is sad, anxious, or confused because something precious is missing. You are the friend of the poor, the finder of the lost, and the gentle comforter of the sorrowing. Please help this child understand that they are loved, even in the loss. Help us guide them with patience and kindness. And if it is your will, bring back what they’ve lost so their joy may be full again. Teach them the value of trust, not just treasure.
20. When a Lost Item Affects Your Work
Sometimes what’s lost directly affects your job—a tool, document, or uniform—and puts you at risk.
“He will bless the work of your hands…”
— Deuteronomy 28:12
Saint Anthony, I need your help. What I’ve lost isn’t just a thing—it’s something I need for my work, my duties, my calling. Its absence puts stress on my tasks and pressures on my mind. Please help me find it swiftly. And in the meantime, keep me calm and focused. May I not panic, but be faithful in small things. If others are affected by this, let their hearts be gracious. And let me work today with trust, even if something is still missing.
21. When You’ve Searched Everywhere
There comes a point where you’ve tried everything, looked everywhere—and still come up short.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5
Saint Anthony, I’ve looked. I’ve retraced every step. I’ve asked, I’ve waited, and still—it remains lost. I’m exhausted, frustrated, and unsure. But this is the moment to turn my search inward and upward. Help me trust when my own wisdom fails. Show me that even if it remains hidden, I am still seen by God. Let your calm fill my weary heart. And if you will, bring the item back in a way only heaven could arrange.
22. When You’ve Lost Something in Nature
Sometimes what’s lost falls into the wild—fields, woods, parks—or somewhere too vast to know.
“He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.”
— Psalm 147:4
Saint Anthony, you understand the beauty and wildness of creation. But now, somewhere out there—in the grass, among the trees, along the road—something has been lost. I don’t know where it could be. Please guide me by your heavenly insight. Let nothing hide from your gentle watch. And whether it is retrieved or not, let my heart be full of praise for a God who knows where everything lies—even what is beyond my reach.
23. When You’ve Lost Something in Your Own Home
The most frustrating kind of loss—when it’s close by, yet completely hidden.
“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest…”
— Luke 8:17
Saint Anthony, I feel silly and exasperated. I’ve lost something in my own home, a place of order and safety, and still I cannot find it. My memory fails me. My patience wears thin. Please clear my thoughts. Help me slow down and be attentive. Let your wisdom guide my eyes to what I’ve overlooked. And even if it remains lost, let peace—not frustration—reign in my home and heart.
24. When You’ve Lost a Key
A key can represent access, freedom, or responsibility. Losing one can be deeply disruptive.
“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David.”
— Isaiah 22:22
Saint Anthony, I’ve lost a key—something small in size, but large in significance. It might unlock my car, my home, my office. And now, I feel locked out, delayed, even unsafe. Help me find this key. Guide my steps and sharpen my memory. And while I search, let me place my trust not in doors or locks—but in the God who opens and closes paths according to His plan. If a new way must be made, lead me through it with grace.
25. A Final Prayer When All Else Fails
Sometimes, we don’t recover what we lost—but we find something deeper.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
— Matthew 5:4
Saint Anthony, the item I lost may never return. I’ve looked, I’ve waited, I’ve prayed—and still, there’s silence. But now, I pray for something even greater: acceptance. Heal my attachment. Restore my peace. Teach me how to hold things lightly and love things deeply—but always in the right order. What is gone, let go with grace. What remains, may I cherish with gratitude. And let this loss be not the end of the story—but the beginning of trust renewed.
Conclusion
The heart of every loss is a story—not just of what went missing, but of what it meant to us. Whether it was a physical possession, a forgotten keepsake, a broken moment, or even an opportunity that vanished with time, loss touches our emotions, our memories, and often our faith. But in these moments, we are not alone.
Saint Anthony, known for generations as the beloved finder of lost things, was never merely a seeker of misplaced items. He was a seeker of God’s will, a man whose heart burned with the desire to help people find their way back to trust, peace, and the presence of God in every corner of life. That is why people turn to him in times of loss—not simply because they want to recover something, but because they want to recover themselves from fear, anxiety, and confusion.
Each of these prayer to Saint Anthony for lost items reminds us that God’s grace does not disappear with a lost item. Instead, His grace appears in the middle of our searching, our waiting, and even our letting go. The world will always have lost things—but in heaven, nothing is forgotten. Every prayer whispered, every tear shed, every hope lifted to God through Saint Anthony’s intercession is remembered.
So whether you find what you are looking for or not, know this: in the prayer itself, you are already beginning to find something far greater. May Saint Anthony continue to walk with you—not just as a finder of lost items, but as a friend of the soul, and a gentle reminder that God leaves nothing unredeemed.
And so, if you are searching—keep praying. If you are waiting—keep trusting. And if you must let go—do so with the peace that what truly matters is never lost in the heart of God.
Let Saint Anthony’s prayerful presence remain with you always.
