MORNING

Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
-- Matthew 1:19-24

Prayers:

God,
in your infinite wisdom and love
you chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary,
the mother of your Son.
May we who enjoy his protection on earth
have his prayers to help us to heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Joseph,
faithful, wise and just steward whom the Lord set over his family,
help us to rest in the holy will of God alone
in order that we may always do what is right.
Amen.

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AFTERNOON

When they had fulfilled all the presciptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
-- Luke 2:39-40

Prayer:

God our Father,
Creator and Ruler of the universe,
in every age you call us,
to develop and use our gifts for the good of others.
With St. Joseph as our example and 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.

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EVENING

"I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph and commended myself earnestly to him; and I found that this my father and lord delivered me both from this trouble [paralysis] and also from other and greater troubles... I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favors which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which he has freed me, both in body and in soul. To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succor us in some of our necessities but of this glorious saint my experience is that he succors us in them all... I have never known anyone to be truly devoted to him and render him particular services who did notably advance in virtue, for he gives very real help to souls who commend themselves to him... Those who practice prayer would have a special affection for him always. I do not know how any one can think of the Queen of Angels, during the time that she suffered so much with the Child Jesus, without giving thanks to St. Joseph for the way he helped them. If anyone cannot find a master to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as his master and he will not go astray."
-- St. Teresa of Avila (1515 - 1582), Autobiography, 6

Prayer:

Good St. 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 godly death,
and attain to a heppy eternity in Heaven.
Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
Amen.