This is one of the few prayers with a “time limit”. The St. Joseph’s Prayer has to be said before noon, and it has to be said for nine consecutive days.
St. Joseph is one of the great saints, setting an example of anonymity while doing one’s duty. He could have hung around, like some famous people’s fathers, pontificating endlessly. But, he didn’t. He did his job and left the scene so that believers could focus on Christ, Mary, and The Church. Few of us have such humility.
As a result, few of us will reach his position in Heaven. Since he’s where he is, close to The Loving Programmer, Program, and Holy Wireless Connector in Programming HQ, he’s in a position to ask for, and get, programming assistance for those who ask him to get it for them.
We’d be fools not to take advantage of his willingness to help us and our families, just as he asked for help for himself and his Family.
Oh, 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. 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 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.
This prayer was found in the fiftieth 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, not shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall 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.
I have been saying the St. Joseph’s Prayer for several years. Every few months, I’ll get distracted and forget to say it before noon. Then, it takes nine days to “catch up”, unless we ask him for, and are given, “a pass”. We should say it every morning as long as we live.
The second line contains this sentence: “I place in you all my interests and desires.” Over time, I find myself packing in an increasing number of requests after that sentence, mostly the names of people, living and dead, for whose lives and souls, if they’ve passed on, I request help. Those requests now take longer than saying The St. Joseph’s Prayer, itself.
In all the years I’ve been saying the St. Joseph’s Prayer, I have not been able to memorize it. The complex, compound sentences are such that I feel more comfortable reading it every morning from a small card.
It is a miracle that this ancient prayer, from 50 A.D., could have been passed on orally. Those who try to memorize it cannot help but be amazed that it could spread so far, so long, through peoples unable to read.
