Prayer to Saint Joseph

O 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.

O 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.

O 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

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The following message has traditionally been printed on prayer cards containing the above prayer, and is reprinted here without additional comment:

According to the Catholic Church, this prayer was found in the fiftieth year of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  In the 1500’s it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it about himself, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on him. He will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in any fire, nor will he be defeated in battle.

Say for nine mornings in a row for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail.