Saints

Saint Joseph Prayer

St Joseph never says a word in the Gospels. Everything we know about him is what he did: he took Mary as his wife when he could have quietly divorced her, got up in the night to take his family to Egypt, worked as a carpenter, and raised Jesus as his own son. He’s a saint of action, of quiet faithfulness, and of protecting the people God entrusted to him.

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St Teresa of Avila said she couldn’t remember ever asking St Joseph for anything that he didn’t obtain for her. In 1870 Pope Pius IX declared him Patron of the Universal Church, and in 1889 Pope Leo XIII wrote a prayer to him that’s still prayed after the Rosary in October. Pope Francis declared a Year of St Joseph in 2020-2021.

Historical Context

Feasts: St Joseph, Spouse of Mary, 19 March; St Joseph the Worker, 1 May

Patron of: The Universal Church, fathers, workers, a happy death

Traditional day: Wednesday

To You, O Blessed Joseph (Leo XIII)

To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God,
and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood,
and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
Amen.

A Prayer for Workers and Fathers

St Joseph, you worked with your hands to provide for your family.
Bless my work and help me do it honestly.
Make me a good father (or son, or husband), patient and strong.
Protect my family as you protected Jesus and Mary.
Amen.

For a Happy Death

St Joseph, you died with Jesus and Mary beside you.
Pray for me at the hour of my death.
Amen.

When Selling a House

Some families bury a small statue of St Joseph in the yard when selling a home. It’s a folk custom, not official Church practice, and Joseph doesn’t need a statue in the dirt to hear you. The real prayer is simple:

St Joseph, you found a home for your family more than once.
Help us sell this house and find the right next one.
Amen.

Best Times for This Prayer

On 19 March and 1 May.
On Wednesdays, the day traditionally devoted to him.
When looking for work, a home, or protection for your family.

Scripture Connection

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.” — Matthew 1:19

Before the angel came, Joseph was already protecting Mary’s reputation. “A just man” is the only description the Gospel gives him, and it’s enough.

Related prayers

For men and fathers, see the Prayer for Men. For workers, the Prayer for Hustlers. For husbands, the Christmas Prayer for Husband.

More saints prayers

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About Stephen S. Griffin

Stephen S. Griffin is the pen name of the person who runs Guided by Prayer, a reference library of prayers. How the prayers are written and sourced.