Prayers to St. Joseph For Workers
Joseph, by the work of your hands
and the sweat of your brow,
you supported Jesus and Mary,
and had the Son of God as your fellow worker.
Teach me to work as you did,
with patience and perseverance, for God and
for those whom God has given me to support.
Teach me to see in my fellow workers
the Christ who desires to be in them,
that I may always be charitable and forbearing
towards all.
Grant me to look upon work
with the eyes of faith,
so that I shall recognize in it
my share in God’s own creative activity
and in Christ’s work of our redemption,
and so take pride in it.
When it is pleasant and productive,
remind me to give thanks to God for it.
And when it is burdensome,
teach me to offer it to God,
in reparation for my sins
and the sins of the world.
(Note: This prayer was taken from the booklet “Devotions to Saint Joseph” by Brian Moore, S.J., printed and published by the Society of St. Paul.)
Novena to St. Joseph the Worker
Let us praise Christ the Lord, as we celebrate the memory of Saint Joseph.
In Praise of Saint Joseph
Joseph, patron saint of workers,
blending skill with charity,
silent carpenter, we praise you!
Joining work with honesty,
you taught Christ with joy to labor,
sharing his nobility.
Joseph, close to Christ and Mary,
lived with them in poverty,
shared with them their home and labor,
worked with noble dignity.
May we seek God’s will as you did,
leader of his family!
Joseph, inspiration for workers,
man of faith and charity,
make us honest, humble, faithful,
strong with Christ’s true liberty,
Make our labor and our leisure
fruitful to eternity!
Novena Prayer
Good Saint Joseph, ever watchful guardian of the Holy Family, protect the chosen people of Jesus Christ, keep us free from the blight of error and corruption, and be our ally in the conflict with the powers of darkness. As of old you rescued the child Jesus from the plots of Herod, so now defend the universal Church from all harm. Keep us one and all under your continual protection, so that by your help and example, we may lead a holy life, die a happy death, and come to possess eternal life in heaven. Amen.
The Word of God (Colossians 3:23-24)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord, and not for yourselves. Remember that the Lord will reward you; you will receive what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real master you serve.
(Silent Reflection)
Just people shall blossom like lilies.
They shall flourish forever in the courts of our God.
Intercessory Prayers
The Lord is the giver of holiness. Let us turn to him and pray: Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.
Lord our God, you called our ancestors in faith to walk before you in holiness of heart. May we follow in their footsteps, and obey your command to be perfect.
You chose Joseph the righteous to care for your Son in childhood and youth. Teach us to care for Christ’s body by caring for our brothers and sisters.
You entrusted the earth to humankind, to people it and make it prosper. Inspire us to work wholeheartedly in this world, seeking always to give you glory.
Father of all humankind, do not forget what your hands have made. Grant that all who work may have secure employment and a fitting standard of living.
Loving and compassionate God, hear the prayers of your people…
We invite you spontaneous prayers.
Our response is: God our Father, graciously hear us.
Prayer for the Spirit of Work
God our Father, Creator and Ruler of the universe, in every age you call us to use and develop our gifts for the good of others. With St. Joseph as our guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised. Please grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.