PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR ONE'S FAMILY

(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.)

Joseph, strengthen in our family

every bond of love which unites us --

the marriage bond,

the love of parent and child,

the bonds of mutual love between all.

Joseph, protect our family

from every danger from without

and from every threat

to peace, unity and harmony within.

Joseph, teach us to be

kind and loving towards one another,

careful for one another,

tolerant of one another,

forgiving towards one another.

Joseph, may contentment with our lot

and joy in each other

abound in our house,

as we seek faithfully to serve

and greatly to love God.

Joseph, be you yourself

a father towards the family of ours,

and pray Mary

be a mother to us.