The Church holds up St Joseph as a model. He doesn’t speak a single word in the Gospels, but he acts: he protects Mary, flees with his family to Egypt, works with his hands, raises Jesus. Pope Francis called him a “creatively courageous” father, a man of tender strength.
Historical Context
A Prayer for Men
Lord, bless the men in my life (and me).
Make them strong, not hard; gentle, not weak.
Give them courage to lead and humility to listen.
Free them from the pressure to carry everything alone.
Give them good friends who will tell them the truth.
Help them to love their wives faithfully, raise their children well,
work with integrity, and follow you.
St Joseph, pray for them.
Amen.
For Men Under Pressure
Lord, I’m carrying a lot and I’m not telling anyone.
Help me admit when I’m struggling, and find someone to talk to.
Amen.
A Men’s Group Prayer
Lord, thank you for these brothers.
Make us honest with each other and faithful to you.
Sharpen us, as iron sharpens iron.
Amen.
If you or a man you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out now to a crisis line, a doctor or someone you trust.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At a men’s group or retreat.
- On Father’s Day or 19 March, St Joseph’s feast.
- For a man going through a hard season.
Scripture Connection
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17
Men need other men. Proverbs says we’re sharpened by friendship, not by going it alone.
Related prayers
For St Joseph, see the Saint Joseph Prayer. For young men, the Prayer for a Young Man. For brothers, My Brother’s Keeper Prayer.