In your devotional life, don’t forget about St. Joseph!
He has one of the most important roles in salvation history: husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, foster-father of Jesus himself, guardian of the Holy Family. But because Scripture doesn’t tell us very much about him – he isn’t even quoted once – it’s easy to forget about him.
But don’t! He’s a powerful intercessor.
Here are 7 little-known prayers to St. Joseph every Catholic should know:
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession was left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power, I fly unto you, and beg your protection.
Despise not, O foster-father of the Redeemer, my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
The 7 Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph
Sorrows:
1) The Doubts of St. Joseph
2) The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth
3) The Circumcision
4) The Prophecy of Simeon
5) The Flight into Egypt
6) The Return to Nazareth
7) The Loss of the Child Jesus
Joys:
1) Told of the Incarnation
2) Angels Adore the Infant Jesus
3) Holy Name of Jesus
4) Effects of the Redemption
5) Overthrow of the Idols in Egypt
6) Life with Jesus & Mary
7) Jesus Found in the Temple
For a holy death
O Blessed Joseph, you gave your last breath in the loving embrace of Jesus and Mary. When the seal of death shall close my life, come with Jesus and Mary to aid me. Obtain for me this solace for that hour, to die with their holy arms around me.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I commend my soul, living and dying, into your sacred arms. Amen.
A prayer for workers
Blessed St. Joseph, patron of all working people, obtain for me the grace to labor in a spirit of penance for the atonement of my many sins. Help me to be conscientious in my work so that I may give as full a measure as I have received.
May I labor in a spirit of thankfulness and joy, ever mindful of all the gifts I have received from God that enable me to perform these tasks. Permit me to work in peace, patience, and moderation, keeping in mind the account I must one day give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vanity of success, so fatal to the work of God. Glorious St. Joseph, may my labors be all for Jesus, all through Mary, and all after your holy example in life and in death. Amen.
30 Days Prayer to St. Joseph
A prayer for protection
St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
A prayer for parents
O glorious St. Joseph, to you God committed the care of His only begotten Son amid the many dangers of this world. We come to you and ask you to take under your special protection the children God has given us. Through holy baptism they became children of God and members of His holy Church. We consecrate them to you today, that through this consecration they may become your foster children. Guard them, guide their steps in life, form their hearts after the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect our dear children for time and eternity. May you be their father and counsellor. Let them, like Jesus, grow in age as well as in wisdom and grace before God and men. Preserve them from the corruption of his world, and give us the grace one day to be united with them in Heaven forever. Amen.
