Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph

I can’t remember right now where I first came across this prayer to St. Joseph, which, according to the Tan book, Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph, dates back to the year 50 A.D. In 1505 Emperor Charles took it into battle, and so it is especially associated with the protection of soldiers. Reading this prayer and keeping it on your person is also supposed to protect you from sudden death, drowning, and being poisoned. So in honor of my deployed Seabee, here is the Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph, to be prayed nine mornings for anything you desire.



O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires.


O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy 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.