The Prayer To Saint Joseph

The roots of the Prayer to Saint Joseph go back centuries. Saint Joseph is honored as the Patron Saint of workers, fathers, departing souls, and the Universal Church. This prayer reflects the qualities Joseph personified, such as quiet strength, trust in God, devotion to family and humility. When we say the prayer we ask for Joseph's divine intercession as we seek to live lives of selfless service to others.

Transcript

Hi,

I'm Joe Summers and I really appreciate you being here today.

I'm going to be reciting the prayer to Saint Joseph.

This is a 500 plus year old prayer and I've been saying it for the better part of my adult life.

And the thing that I've always really appreciated and enjoyed about the prayer is just how visual it is.

When you listen to it,

When you say it,

You can really picture the baby Jesus in the arms of Joseph.

And for me the prayer is really about the idea of Saint Joseph being that selfless servant.

This idea of selfless service,

Something that Joseph personified throughout his life.

The idea of selfless parenthood,

Selfless partnership.

This aspirational concept that we can take from the example he set in his life of being that silent servant to God.

That servant to his family and to his community.

Without the need for fanfare,

Recognition,

Or applause.

Let us pray.

O Saint Joseph,

Whose protection is so great,

So strong,

So prompt before the throne of God.

I place in you all my interests and desires.

O Saint 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.

O Saint Joseph,

I never grow 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.

O Saint Joseph,

Patron of departing souls,

Pray for us.

Amen.