Do you have a special intention that you need to pray for? Check out this prayer to St. Joseph that never fails:
The Prayer to St. Joseph That Never Fails
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires.
Oh, 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.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close 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 me! Amen.
It is not uncommon for prayer cards with this prayer to include the following text:
“This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505, it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or be overpowered in battle.
Say for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail, so be sure you really want what you ask.”
RELATED: 7 Powerful Prayers Before Confession
Novena to St. Joseph That Never Fails
As mentioned in the text above, this prayer is encouraged to be prayed as a novena of prayers.
To do so, one can simply pray the above prayer once each day for nine consecutive days. However, it is encouraged that each day one also accompany the prayer above with a single “Our Father”, “Hail Mary”, and “Glory be”.
CLICK HERE FOR A NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH THAT NEVER FAILS PRINTABLE PDF
Why Pray to St. Joseph
According to Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, St. Joseph was a man of tremendous sanctity and a model of love and devotion to both Our Lady and Our Lord.
Throughout much of Church history, due to the roles entrusted to him during his earthly life, St. Joseph has been recognized as a chief intercessor for the Universal Church, individual families, workers, and the dying.
Many saints have attested to the power and efficacy of St. Joseph’s intercession, one of the most notable being St. Teresa of Avila’s testimony. In her autobiography, she writes:
“It is now very many years since I began asking him for something on his feast, and I always received it. If the petition was in any way amiss, he rectified it for my greater good.”
Padre Pio (St. Pio of Pietrelcina) also famously bore witness to St. Teresa of Avila’s experience:
“Go to Joseph with extreme confidence, because I, like St. Teresa of Avila, do not remember having asked anything from St. Joseph without having obtained it readily.”
RELATED: Who Were the Parents of Mary? What’s their Story?
When to Pray to St. Joseph
You can pray to St. Joseph at any time!
However, there are some specific times of year and certain situations that are often associated with devotion to St. Joseph.
The traditional feast days associated with seeking St. Joseph’s intercession include January 23rd (the Feast of Holy Spouses), February 2nd (the Feast of the Presentation), March 19th (the Solemnity of St. Joseph), May 1st (the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker), May 13th (the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima), and December 26th (the Feast of the Holy Family).
In addition, as the Church has traditionally dedicated particular days of the week to particular devotions—Sundays to the Resurrection of the Lord, Mondays to the Holy Spirit, Saturdays to Our Lady, and so forth—Wednesdays are especially devoted to St. Joseph.
St. Joseph can also be a great intercessor when discerning God’s will, planning a move, seeking a new job, or whenever you’re in need of a father’s guidance!
All to say that St. Joseph is a powerful intercessor and should be a part of your devotional life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
RELATED: The Heroic Minute Will Change Your Life
Must-Read Books about St. Joseph
1. Saint Joseph: The Man Closest to Christ by Fr. Sebastian Walshe
Exploring Saint Joseph’s prefiguration in the Old Testament and his many rich titles, this book provides deep insight into the virtues and spiritual fatherhood of the man chosen to be the earthly guardian of Christ, in order to grow closer to our Lord through imitating Saint Joseph. Written by Father Sebastian Walshe, this work illuminates the Biblical truths about the hidden life and intercessory power of the greatest saint after Our Lady.
2. Through the Heart of St. Joseph by Fr. Boniface Hicks
Exploring St. Joseph’s vulnerability and hiddenness in Scripture, this book by Fr. Boniface Hicks reveals how the silent saint wants to lead us to Jesus through littleness, silence, and steadfast trust, showing by the witness of other saints how embracing the “Joseph Option” transforms lives.
3. The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics by Paul Thigpen
Weaving together visions from five mystics, this book provides a vivid narrative of St. Joseph’s life from childhood through his death, imagining details about this silent saint’s courage, wisdom, suffering, and peace as the guardian of Jesus and Mary.
4. Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by Fr. Donald Calloway
With a comprehensive 33-day consecration program, this book by Fr. Donald Calloway provides everything needed to entrust oneself fully to St. Joseph’s paternal care and intercession, detailing his wonders and graces to draw closer to this great saint.
5. St. Joseph the Protector: A nine-day preparation for entrustment to St. Joseph by Fr. Mark Goring
Providing a nine-day guide to prepare for consecration, this book by Fr. Mark Goring looks at St. Joseph’s role as protector and guardian of Jesus and Mary to encourage devotion to this great saint.
Do you have a devotion to St. Joseph?
Let me know below in the comment box!
In this FREE guide, you’ll discover:
>> The 12 habits practiced by the saints to grow in holiness
>> What virtues are and why they matter in the pursuit of holiness
>> How focusing on one habit a month can transform your spiritual life
This guide breaks down the path to sainthood into 12 attainable habits you can start growing today. Learn from the saints and transform your spiritual life!